Dylan, 26 received the Young Achiever Award at The Prince's Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense London and South East Awards at the British Museum on 16 October.
We could not be more proud of Dylan who joined the Princes Trust's Team Programme at Carshalton College in 2017.
Dylan won this Royal award for his work helping young people, following his own battles with his mental health. This award recognises the success of young people getting into employment, training or education and overcoming substantial barriers to transform their lives.
Dylan has battled depression following years of systematic abuse. When he saw the same thing happening with other children, he knew something had to be done, so he reported it to the police and gave evidence in court. The experience took its toll on Dylan and he felt like he was "pushed between mental health professionals and the GP" but was unable to receive the right support from either.
"It's quite terrifying to know that one service thinks you're too ill but the other one [thinks] you're not ill enough and there's nothing in the middle. There is no kind of safety net and that is what the Prince's Trust was for me. They caught me when no one else wanted to".
The 12-week development programme made Dylan feel part of something again. This led to a volunteering opportunity and eventually a job.
He's now come full circle and works as an Assistant Team Leader on the Team Programme (the one he himself joined) to help other young people build the confidence and skills they need to turn their lives around.
Asked what his advice is for anyone going through anything similar to what he went through, Dylan said: "Talk to someone. There is always someone that is willing to listen to you. It might not be a professional like you are hoping for but eventually it will be the right person and you'll get on that path."
The Prince's Trust Awards honour the achievements of young people supported by The Trust's programmes. For more information, please click here.
