Harry's Story with the Cornwall Bicycle Project

Harry D has just started an exciting new role as a Cycle Technician with The Cornwall Bicycle Project. With support from the Youth Engagement Programme (YEP), Harry has landed his dream job!

"Wishing Harry all the best, he fully deserves this!" - Jane (Key Worker)

Harry joined the YEP programme with a clear passion for bikes. His key worker saw Harry had an interest in bikes. Jane, Harry’s key worker on YEP, saw he had a keen interest in bikes so she helped arrange a work experience placement with The Cornwall Bicycle Project. This gave Harry the chance to learn hands-on bike mechanics. He got to help recycle old bikes, and meet a wide range of customers. The placement was a great fit for Harry. He gained confidence, developed new skills, and thrived in the busy environment. The team also made sure the role supported the individual needs outlined in his EHCP. They helped Harry to feel comfortable and included. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, Harry was invited to apply for a Cycle Technician role - and he got the job! His journey shows how the right support and opportunities can make a big difference.

"Harry is so excited to start and has really settled in well at the bike project. This has given him a real confidence boost. " - mum

A huge thank you to The Cornwall Bicycle Project. Thank you for recognising Harry’s potential and giving him this chance to shine

Isla's journey to grow in confidence

Isla, 19, joined the YEP programme in July 2025 feeling uncertain about her future after finishing college. With support from her adviser, Jane, she took part in a council research project that built her confidence and teamwork skills. She later gained a beauty therapy apprenticeship, where she showed strong practical talent, but could not complete the course after joining late. Encouraged by positive employer feedback, Isla is now studying Level 2 Maths and English and a Level 1 Massage course. She has grown in confidence, identified her strengths, and is actively pursuing future training, volunteering, and part time work opportunities.

“It has been really helpful to have a mentor I can talk to about my options, who listens and gives encouragement. Having this support has made me feel more motivated and confident about finding the right training and future employment.”- Isla

“Thank you again, we’d be lost and very disheartened without your support.” - mum

Zara's progression with YEP

When Zara joined YEP, she was facing big challenges in education. These had a serious impact on her mental and physical health. At the start of our meetings, she was getting regular support from two mental health services.

She found it hard to meet in places where she felt calm. Eileen, Zara's her key worker, stepped in and, together, they made a plan: Zara wanted to pass her Maths and get a job. She joined Plymouth Argyle and worked with Caitlin Jones to achieve her Maths qualification. Zara met often and worked hard.

“Because of my time on YEP, I’m moving forward and trying new things. It has helped so much with my confidence. I am actually excited for the future, which is a new feeling for me.” - Zara

With Eileen’s support, Zara soon found a new job that matched her goals. She is doing well in this role and enjoys the challenges and chances to learn. Her team works together and creates a positive space where everyone helps each other. Thanks to Eileen’s guidance, Zara has grown in confidence and independence. Her mental health has improved, and she no longer needs weekly support.

Life After YEP - Leon's Story

When Leon first joined YEP, he had just moved to Cornwall due to circumstances outside of his control. He had no formal qualifications or work experience, no identification and no social network to speak of in the county. We sourced mental health support for Leon through a private provision. We signed up to Active Plus’ Confidence and Motivation course, got him a birth certificate, a provisional license and a CBT license for a motorbike; opened a bank account; signed him up for Maths and English functional skills and applied for Truro College. Leon was successful and, at the time of ending his time on YEP, he was waiting to begin his level 1 course in Automative Maintenance.

All of this was able to take place because of Leon’s determination to work towards his goal of working with vehicles.

Five months after starting his course, Leon told me his on his third motorbike and uses it to go out with his large group of friends he has made through college. He is still continuing with his functional skills Maths and finding it much easier, while he has switched over to GCSE English. From January, he no longer receives support for his mental health, feeling much more positive about his situation. He recently found out he has been accepted to study level 2 Automative Maintenance and is very excited.

When I first joined, I was feeling depressed and lost but now I have a career path and am very excited about the future!" - Leon.

The YEP team is thrilled for Leon and excited to see what else the future may hold.

Lewis' journey with the Cornwall Bicycle Project

YEP and The Cornwall Bicycle Project collaborating for success!

Lewis joined YEP via Pentreath to help him move forward and find his next steps. He mentioned to his key worker, Erica, how much he loved bikes and she liaised with Jane to help find him relevant experience.

The Cornwall Bicycle Project stepped in and offered Lewis volunteering. He proved himself to be hard-working, reliable and determined and, as a result, Lewis has joined the team as a coach and apprentice.

“Lewis is a shining example of what you can achieve with determination and the right support. Well done Lewis, welcome to the TCBP team, we  are proud to have you on board.” – TCBP

“Well earned Lewis, all down to you. You’re an amazing coach, mentor and role model.” - Jane

Lexi's Success with the Youth Engagement Project

“When I first came to YEP, my mental health was really low and I didn’t know what to expect. I’m so excited to start college in September”. – Lexi.

At the time of joining YEP, Lexi was new to Cornwall and feeling very unsure about the future. She had missed the cut off for college applications and was struggling with her mental health. She knew she wanted to improve her job prospects and learn some new skills before starting college in September 2026. She worked with Eileen to achieve more than she was expecting.

YEP initially paid for Lexi’s provisional license, knowing that photographic ID would help with finding a job. Lexi told us she would love to complete a lifeguard qualification so we paid for her to do that which she passed first time. Lexi then began preparing for her college interviews, meeting with Eileen (and supported by her family) she began practicing potential questions and weighing pros and cons for local provisions. She was accepted onto the course of her choice at her first choice of college.

As well as the incredible successes Lexi achieved above, she was also successful in gaining her first job which she begins in a couple of weeks and is very excited for! We are all so proud of Lexi and have no doubt she will be great at whatever she sets her mind to.

Read more about what we do here: YEP - Employment and Enterprise | Let's Talk Cornwall