How did you become involved in working with young people?

I have been doing volunteer work for about 15 years in various capacities, including working with young people in care and on the street, disabled young people and young people with addiction issues.
I began volunteering when I was finding it difficult to get work - I started off with the Volunteer Bureau.

I then went to Strathclyde University to do a BA in Community Education and when I left I moved to Glasgow City Council to work with children in care and then as a Community Learning Worker. After a year of volunteering my way around the world, I joined the Prince's Trust.

What attracted you to the Prince's Trust?

When I came back from my year out I wanted to continue working with young people, so I joined the Prince's Trust.

I run a 12-week programme which helps young people develop their communication, motivation, confidence and leadership techniques.
It includes work experience, community work, a residential course and recognised qualifications to help them get a job.

What did you do on your year out?

I started in Kerala, in India, working with the local community, and then went to Nepal where I visited an orphanage and gave them some money I'd raised before I set off.

I travelled to Thailand and spent time daily with disaffected Burmese children.

I then went to Australia and volunteered with the Swanhill Museum in Victoria then in Shark's Bay in Western Australia.

I also went to New Zealand and worked with disabled adults before heading to Zambia, where I worked in a hospital and orphanage.

I'm still involved in fundraising for three of the charities and have just returned from visiting the Nepal orphanage.

What inspired you to work with young people?

I think because of some of the issues and problems I had when I was growing up and because the community I grew up in had nothing for young people to do.

As I got older I realised that teachers don't necessarily understand what real issues are going on in young people's lives, especially during that period before adulthood.

What is the best thing about your job?

When you get feedback from the young people. There was one person who was having problems socially and financially due to alcohol addiction. He did his best and after the course got a job in a call centre. When we called him he was really upbeat and said that he felt normal for the first time and that people just looked at him like any other employee.

What would you say to somebody thinking about signing up for the course?

Every single young person who has taken part in the course has said that it has benefited them. If I had known about the Princes Trust when I was young I would have certainly got involved.

Getting to know you

First car: Rover Metro
First record: Five Star
Book currently reading: Salman Rushdie - The Moor's Last Sigh
Favourite holiday destination: Anywhere I've not been before
Favourite TV programme: Hollyoaks
Famous person most like to meet: Ghandi

For more information about the Prince's Trust call Sylvia on 0141 777 2091.