King's Trust honours Belfast young person after inspiring turnaround
Jack, 25 from Belfast, has been named as the winner of an award from The King’s Trust after showing amazing determination to turn his life around.
The King’s Trust and TK Maxx Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.
Jack scooped the L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award, which recognises a young person who, having built up their confidence and skills, has overcome barriers to secure and recently start employment or education or training.
“The Explore programme provided me with a much-needed jumping off point. It helped me uncover skills I didn’t know I had and made me realise I didn’t have to face my problems alone.”
Before seeking support from The King’s Trust, Jack felt as though his life was in chaos. After his university experience had been derailed by the isolation of the pandemic, his lifestyle had become destructive and he was relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms. Showing a determination to turn things around, Jack is now employed full-time in a plant nursery and is back in education. He has mended relationships with those around him and, with a renewed sense of purpose, is working towards a positive future for himself.
“In my early twenties, I left Belfast to study in Glasgow and was in my third year of university when the COVID pandemic struck, forcing all of my classes online. I’d been an outgoing person until this point but suddenly became isolated. I began drinking all the time to cope and pushed away friends and family who were trying to help. Things started spinning out of control.”
After returning to Belfast, Jack heard about a personal development programme being run by The King’s Trust. Initially unsure whether he could cope with committing to four weeks on the course, he decided to give it a try.
“My life was still chaotic at this point and I was at risk of going down a dark path. Job-hunting was proving difficult and my lifestyle was getting worse, meaning that I couldn’t accept the few jobs I was offered. Starting the programme was extremely nerve-wracking and I relied on old unhealthy habits to cope. However, the support of King’s Trust staff and the positive atmosphere on the programme began to help me see more clearly. Across the four weeks, I could feel my confidence returning.”
Such was Jack’s progress on the Explore programme that he was already back applying for jobs before it finished. Though he wasn’t successful in the first interview he attended, his rediscovered confidence meant that he remained undeterred. Another interview soon followed, this time with a local plant nursery. Bolstered by the employability sessions included on the Explore programme, Jack secured a full-time job where he continues to work to this day.
“Finding out I had been successful felt incredible. I could start to see a future for myself again. I’ve also decided to do a qualification in Plant Growth and Development and it feels good to be working towards something positive. My relationship with my family has also improved now that my lifestyle has calmed down. Reaching out for support and starting to build a positive community around me has helped me move past the negative experiences of recent years.
“I’m determined to build a positive future for myself and hope I can show other young people that it’s never too late to turn things around.”
On winning the L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award, Jack said:
“Winning this award feels amazing and a little overwhelming. I hope I can show other young people that, with the right support, it is never too late to turn things around.”
Amelie Fortier-Cyr, General Manager of L'Oréal Paris UK&I said: “A huge congratulations to Jack, it is so inspiring to see how your confidence and self-belief have grown and paved the way for a bright future! Well done.”
Now Jackis in with a chance to become a National King’s Trust Award winner at a very special event in May 2026. A King’s Trust Celebrationin partnership with TK Maxx will spotlight winners from across the UK. Held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, this special evening will bring music, comedy, awards, and unforgettable performances together. The night will celebrate the courage, creativity, and achievements of young people supported by The King’s Trust in the UK and around the world.
Youth charity The King’s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The King’s Trust in the past five years have moved into work, training or education. With almost a million young people not in work, education or training, the Trust is committed to ending youth unemployment so that every young person has the opportunity to succeed.