Young Scots overcome hardship to inspire others
A YOUNG Glasgow woman who had to be resuscitated after attempting to take her own life has been honoured for her bravery.
Caroline Clemenson was recognised for her progress in developing new skills to make positive steps towards facing her challenges.
She picked up the award at last night’s Prince’s Trust Scotland and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards, where she picked up the Breakthrough Award.
After years of trauma in and out of care as a youngster, the 24-year-old is studying to become a personal trainer in a bid to better the life of her young son – and has encouraged others who may be struggling with mental health issues to seek help.
She said: “I moved in and out of the care system for most of my life; the instability affected my schoolwork quite badly.
“Things got so bad, I tried to take my own life many times and if I hadn’t been resuscitated at one point, I would have succeeded.
“I’d had a positive experience with a Trust programme years before and after talking to them again, I decided to sign up for Get Started in Complementary Therapy.”
Get Started in Complementary Therapy is a Prince’s Trust programme which aims to build confidence by teaching alternative therapy skills.
Caroline completed two Get Started programmes, worked with a literacy and numeracy tutor, and joined Make Your Mark, which is run in partnership with Marks & Spencer, to equip young people with retail skills.
She added: “Make Your Mark resulted in me getting a part time job, which meant I could support myself and my son. I have a more positive outlook because of The Prince’s Trust; they gave me the courage to believe in myself. I’m now studying my NQ in Health, Fitness and Sports Performance and working towards my goal of becoming a personal trainer.”
Caroline is just one of the incredible young people who took home an award at the bash in the Old Fruitmarket last night.
Dan Gronan, from Paisley, was awarded the Enterprise Award after overcoming a drug and alcohol addiction brought on by mental health problems to become a successful yoga studio owner.
While, Rachel Smyth, also from Paisley, took home the Rising Star Award.
The 23-year-old fell pregnant at school and struggled so badly financially she could only afford one meal a day in order to feed her son before she achieved her dream of entering the healthcare field with a job in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The Young Ambassador of the Year Award went to Reece Hayes, who became a carer at the age of 11.
The now 22-year-old was struggling to cope; he became angry, drank and picked fights. As a Young Ambassador he talked about the issues facing young people and explained how Get into Retail gave him a chance to change. He is now at college pursuing a career in mental health.
I have a more positive outlook because of the Prince’s Trust