Inspirational Gateshead teen recieves award from King's Trust for mental health work

Awarded for her courage in fighting anxiety and depression, 23 year old Eryn has been named as the winner of an award from The King’s Trust.

The Gateshead local found renewed purpose and confidence through support from The King's Trust and is now giving back. She is thriving in a job she loves, supporting hundreds of young people across her community.

The King’s Trust Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.

Eryn scooped the Marvel Young Changemaker Award, which recognises a young person who has turned their life around and used their personal experiences to speak out and inspire others.

“Before The King’s Trust, I didn't believe any employer would want to take me on. Suffering from anxiety, I thought I would be more of a liability than a good employee, but I proved myself wrong - I just needed help and the right opportunity” she explained.

Eryn, battled with severe anxiety and depression growing up, leaving her isolated for the majority of her teenage years. She struggled at school leaving with only one GSCE, despite being predicted high grades. Struggling with her mental health, Eryn withdrew from society and for two years had no interaction with anyone her own age.

“My anxiety was so bad I became unable to go out in public or interact with people.”

“I completely withdrew from society and the outside world and felt imprisoned in my own room at the lowest point in my life.”

Concerned for her future, Eryn’s family looked for what support was available, when her grandma found The King’s Trust and accompanied her to her first meeting.

She went on to complete an employment skills programme with the charity.

“I was so proud of how far I had come, but knew I wanted more for myself career wise. I reached out to The King’s Trust once again and joined a short course they were running with Newcastle Building Society and secured my first apprenticeship!”

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Since completing the programme and her apprenticeship, Eryn has been made a permanent Customer Advisor for Newcastle Building Society, finishing her apprenticeship with a distinction, as well as going on to achieve a maths qualification alongside it.

Eryn now not only helps train and support new staff but is a huge part of their volunteering and social value activities.

On winning the Marvel Young Change Maker Award, Eryn said: “I hope sharing my story is somewhat relatable to other young people. Taking that first step always feels like the hardest part, and I owe a big forever thank you to Claire and Tom at The King’s Trust Newcastle Centre, because I wouldn’t be here today without them.”

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