Laura's story

Age: 19 

From: Basingstoke 

Team: Basingstoke 34 

What were you doing before you started with the Prince’s Trust team programme? 

“I stayed at school till I was 18, followed by a short-term contract digital assistant job. When the job ended my social anxiety increased and I felt very low.  

I didn’t leave the house for an entire month. I had a complete brain shut down, I didn’t want to have to think about anything, just stop and refuel mentally, then I joined the Team programme.”  

What made you want to undertake the team programme? 

“My mum suggested the course and it was easier to say ‘yes’ to her than ‘no’. I was also curious what it would be like and laser quest was mentioned which made me even more curious!” 

What did you want to gain from undertaking the team programme?  

“I wanted to gain the confidence to be myself and be comfortable around everyone. My first day of team was equally terrifying and amazing!  

I’ve been known as Laura since leaving school, where it took time for me to be accepted as a transgender woman.  

On team I didn’t have to hide who I am. I felt comfortable to be myself and give everyone the full effect of Laura. If I could go back and do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.” 

How did you find the Fire Station input to your programme? 

“The firefighters have been amazingly helpful and supportive throughout the course. Firefighter Jason has been driving us round in the minibus and him and others were extra pairs of hands on our community project where we transformed a school garden. They’ve taught me a lot about fire safety, and I now feel more conscious about this.”

How do you feel coming to the end of the programme? 

“It’s sad that it’s over, but I’m so happy that it happened and that we get to celebrate together the happy memories we’ve all made. On reflection the timing was almost too convenient for me, any longer stuck at home wouldn’t have been good for my mental health.”  

What does the next chapter look like for you?   

“Thanks to the programme I am applying for a digital based apprenticeship. I’ve always been interested in coding and taking hardware apart, to learn how to put it back together again.”   

What would you say to a friend who was thinking about joining the programme? 

“Laser quest – I think would be a big sell, but seriously you will be accepted without judgement by your fellow team and that will give you the confidence to do great things.”

 Read more Prince’s Trust case studies