11 October 2018
A selfless young woman from Jersey, who is dedicated to helping others with mental health problems, is set to become the first young person from Jersey to receive a Prince’s Trust regional award.
Anxiety and depression, alongside obsessive compulsive disorder, stopped Katy Glendenning (23) from working as an English teacher, to foreign language students, as her problems were so bad she could not get out of bed at times.
But after completing a ten-week course at the Prince’s Trust Team programme, with the Jersey Youth Service, her confidence returned and she has now turned her life around.
Katy is now dedicated to helping young people with mental health issues through her roles as a volunteer youth worker, a member of Jersey's Youth committee and volunteer at Mind Jersey.
Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony, Katy explained about how her condition had taken over her life: “I’d reached the point where my problems were becoming debilitating, so bad that sometimes I couldn't physically get out of bed.”
A community nurse recommended The Prince’s Trust Team programme to Katy and suggested that she attend an open day.
“I couldn’t see a future at that point so I went because I had nothing to lose, but potentially everything to gain,” explained Katy.
“The Prince’s Trust is one of a few places that believes in helping young people like myself to achieve their potential without judging them on their background, situation or illness. I became a Young Ambassador because I wanted to spread the word about them.”
Mark Capern, Principle Officer of the Jersey Youth Service, said: “We are delighted to share this fantastic news to have a local young person win a Prince’s Trust regional award. We are super proud of Katy who has completed the Team programme, became a Prince’s Trust Ambassador, as well as continuing her contact with the Youth Service. Katy has also been involved with the Children’s Commissioner interviews and also part of the consultation in relation to young people having a voice as part of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry response.
“The Prince’s Trust programmes are delivered by the Youth Service and highlights the strength in the partnership between the States of Jersey and the Prince's Trust and the benefits the programmes offer to support our young people that are not in Education, Employment or Training so that they thrive into adulthood.”
Sophie Le Brun, Assistant Youth Worker, who nominated Katy for the award, said: 'I have seen Katy grow into an independent, very capable young lady which wasn't the case when she joined the Prince's Trust team. Katy will find a solution or a way to complete anything you ask her to do. From preparing a lesson to deliver to 'team' around presentation skills or offering time and support to other young people at a music event.
“I truly believe Katy can do anything she puts her mind to and she has a very bright future ahead of her.”
gov.je