Royal seal of approval for Zinnia
CENTREPOINT’S RISING STAR TROPHY FOR YOUNG SUNDERLAND PAINTER AND DECORATOR
Zinnia Young has had the royal seal of approval for her determination to face her challenges.
The 22-year-old has been working for the North East Autism Society (NEAS) maintenance team since March 2016, when youth homelessness charity Centrepoint supported her in a bid to begin her dream job as a painter and decorator.
The Duke of Cambridge has presented her with the Rising Star trophy at the Centrepoint Awards, held at Kensington Palace.
“I am really proud – but it just seems so unbelievable. I couldn’t have imagined this at all,” said Zinnia, from Sunderland. “There were times over the years when things were just so bad that I just thought ‘life doesn’t get better it only gets worse,’ but it was because of Centrepoint helping me that everything changed.
“Working for the North East Autism Society is the best thing that has happened to me.”
Impressed by her resilience and attitude and how well she has done with her apprenticeship at the North East Autism Society, Cen- trepoint nominated Zinnia for a prize at their annual ceremony which is supported by the Cooperative Bank.
John Phillipson, chief executive officer at the North East Autism Society, said: “We are all incredibly proud here at NEAS. I’m sure HRH Prince William will feel as we do, that it’s an honour to be around someone like Zinnia who really has accomplished so much – and does it with a smile on her face.”
Centrepoint provides homeless 16-25 year-olds with support to find work and tackle physical and mental health problems, in addition to a safe place to stay. The Duke has been the charity’s patron since 2005 and the event was hosted by TV’s Jonathan Ross.
Zinnia has also benefited from assistance provided by Talent Match North East, a Big Lottery-funded programme offering tailored support to help long term unemployed 18-24 year-olds find work.
She worked with a dedicated youth coach to improve her skills and build her confidence and Talent Match also boosts Zinnia’s wage by £3.55 per hour, bringing it in line with the national minimum wage for her age, adding to her financial security.
Seyi Obakin, CEO of Centrepoint, said: “The extraordinary young people nominated for this year’s Centrepoint Awards are a compelling reminder of what can be achieved.”