After feeling lost and uncertain about her future, Poppy has found a new sense of direction, confidence and resilience through the King’s Trust programme at City College Plymouth.
Poppy had originally enrolled on a hairdressing course at the College, but didn’t feel that it was the right path for her. Unsure of what she wanted to do next, she joined the King’s Trust programme to rebuild her confidence and gain a clearer mindset about her future.
“I was quite lost,” Poppy explained. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do at all. I thought I wanted to do a lot more than I did, but I just wasn’t fully in it, and I didn’t know what to do.”
Through the programme, Poppy found the support and encouragement she needed to move forward. She credits King’s Trust team members Kelly and Sam with helping her rediscover her confidence and motivation.
“When I spoke to Kelly about everything, she really listened,” said Poppy. “She’d give me chats here and there, take me away from things for five minutes if I needed it – she’s just great. She actually gets me and listens.”
Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Poppy focused on improving her confidence, communication skills and teamwork. While she admits she previously struggled with anxiety and would often give up when things became difficult, she now feels more resilient and motivated to keep pushing herself.
“Normally, I’d just walk away from things,” she said. “But now I’m trying and trying again. I came here because I wanted to do this, and I realised I have to actually try for the future I want.”
Alongside the programme, Poppy has now secured work with Taproom Plymouth, helping prepare and serve food at weddings and events. Her role involves preparing food at the catering unit before travelling to venues to work long shifts during weddings and functions.
Having only recently started the role, Poppy says she immediately felt comfortable with the team and enjoys the fast-paced nature of the work.
“The first time I met everyone, I clicked with them straight away,” she explained. “I was expecting it to be awkward because I’m normally shy, but I really enjoy my job.”
Poppy believes the programme has helped her develop stronger communication skills, improved teamwork and, most importantly, resilience.
“The thing I’m most proud of is probably my resilience,” she said. “Throughout school, I would normally just give up, but college feels different. I feel like this is my life now, and I can actually see a future.”
As well as developing workplace skills, Poppy has also learned valuable coping strategies to help manage change and uncertainty. She found journaling particularly helpful and says learning to adapt has been an important part of her growth.
“I used to write everything down and remind myself that plans can change,” she explained. “I’m learning how to deal with that now.”
Looking back on how far she has come, Poppy says the King’s Trust programme has had a huge impact on her life and future outlook.
“I just want to say thank you for this course because it’s given me a lot and I’ve come very far from where I used to be,” she said. “I was in a really dark place, and now I actually see the light. I can see a future.”
