Young Tyrone Man Scoops Prince’s Trust Award
Thomas Mullan from Fintona has won the Flying Start Award at The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards. The Award, sponsored by Titanic Quarter, recognises young people who have overcome barriers, transformed their lives and are in sustainable employment. Thomas picked up his award at a ceremony in the Theatre at the Mill, in Newtownabbey on Thursday 25th November.
Twenty-one-year-old Thomas left school with few qualifications and was unemployed for two years. He had got himself into trouble, and was keen to turn his life around but he was unsure how to start this.
He heard about The Princes Trust’s Team programme at South West College in Omagh, from a friend who had already completed the programme and felt that Thomas would benefit from taking part. The Team programme is a 12-week personal development programme, helping disadvantaged young people to get their lives working by boosting confidence, motivation, and self esteem.
Thomas especially liked the practical aspects of Team and he showed great leadership qualities amongst the group who identified him as a role model. Thomas emerged as a great motivator. He was excellent at encouraging others in the group and proved to be a natural communicator.
Once he completed the programme, Thomas gained his first temporary job at Clinton Cards, helping out in the build up to Christmas. He was invited back to help with the Valentine’s Day rush and was so impressive that the Manager offered him a permanent position.
Thomas has also returned to study and has achieved a qualification in youth work. He plays an active part in his local community and volunteers as Chairman of the Fintona Town Youth Committee. Thomas has become a motivated young man who is determined to work to provide a better future, not only for himself but also for his young family as he has recently become the proud father of a son, Travis James.
Thomas believes the award will help him encourage other young people to take the first steps in turning their lives around, “I am so glad that my friend told me about The Prince’s Trust programme as it helped me get a new start in life. I am now looking forward to the future as I can work to provide for my family and I hope that my story will help young people in my area realise that they too can take charge of their futures.”
Conal Harvey, Deputy Chairman of Titanic Quarter Ltd, sponsor of the Award, said, “Our expectation is that upon completion, the 185-acre Titanic Quarter development will provide employment for 25,000 people. A big challenge for us and our partners in the community is to ensure that as many people as possible have access to these jobs. Celebrate Success is a great initiative which should remind everybody that Northern Ireland does have a wealth of talented young people and, given the right encouragement, they can achieve great things for themselves and society.”
The Prince’s Trust works with 14-to-30 year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. In Northern Ireland, over 3,000 young people each year are supported through practical help including training, mentoring and financial assistance.
For further information, please contact: Oonagh Mullin on 08456031881 ext 5545 or oonagh.mullin@swc.ac.uk
