Changing the lives of 2000 young people in the UK

Dan, 26, was a professional soldier, but returned from Iraq after the birth of his second child feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Suffering from flashbacks, he concluded the army was no longer for him.

Once discharged, he went through a series of low-paid jobs to support his family. Around this time, his relationship ended. Dan gained sole custody of his two children and moved into his own house. With little support from his family he was barely getting by, experiencing periods of depression and loneliness. Doubting his abilities, Dan had lost confidence and belief in himself.

He had previously had the idea of starting his own gardening business. With both children soon to be in school, he thought it was a good time to focus on his future. While seeking advice, he joined The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme, a scheme helping young people interested in self-employment explore their ideas in setting up a business.

He found the speakers on the course particularly inspirational. They made him realise anything is possible if you put your mind to it. His time on the programme gave him the desire to be a success by learning from his mistakes. With renewed confidence, Dan found the motivation to move forward. With support and funding from The Prince’s Trust, he started his business, Gardeners R Us. With several regular customers, including an estate agent, it is doing well.

Today, Dan is a different person to the world-weary ex-soldier he once was. With ambitions to expand his business, he has lots of ideas. However, Dan’s main goal is to provide for his family and be a positive role model to his children.

Dan said: "With amazing support from The Prince’s Trust I have achieved a lot in 18 months. In the past I had many dark days, but now my outlook is positive and I can see a bright future."

Links:

• Other case studies in Dan's region