News Story Date : 23 October, 2009

RAMP Mentee wins Young Achiever of the Year Award

When she was 11, Karen started smoking cannabis and over time got into amphetamines and eventually heroin.

Her friends were doing it and she wanted to know what it felt like. She quickly developed a habit. Karen’s relationship with her family was non-existent when she got involved with The Prince’s Trust. Her confidence had been severely damaged by the lack of faith from the people who were supposed to support her.

Karen was on a Maintenance Programme, a drug rehabilitation course, when she was referred to the Team programme, run by Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

She thrived during those 12 weeks and her motivation and confidence grew everyday.

After Team, Karen was supported by the Respect Athlete Mentoring Programme (RAMP). She continues to be mentored by Olympic swimmer, Nick Gillingham.

Karen is due to start work as a Substance Abuse Education Mentor and is currently writing a research paper on substance abuse for Sunderland City Council.

Press release from Prince’s Trust