Opportunities: Scouts, Café Art

Having spent ten years in the British Army, I wished to put my experience and field craft skills for better use and became a Scout Leader for the very troop I grew up in. I actively ran the troop for a couple of years before moving to Vienna for a short while in 2014. Upon returning to the UK in 2015 I assumed my scouting position, but soon found myself in financial burden and became homeless.

I relocated to London to seek accommodation and support with a veterans’ welfare charity, where I still live today. At the same time, I decided to attain higher educational qualifications to improve my employability and enrolled at UWL later the same year.

Over the last few years, as I become more comfortable, I got involved with Café Art through their annual Photo competition. I have been a finalist in the past two years and have been published in their international calendar. I was later invited by a friend to give photographic workshops and assist in other art projects with The Pillion Trust.

Since then, I have been asked by Café Art to give a two-day photographic workshop for NCS as part of their ‘The Challenge’ project to engage disadvantaged youths in community projects. All the while I have stayed loyal to 1st Pilgrims Hatch Scout Group, attending whenever I have free time.

Giving back to those causes that have supported me offers me peace of mind. Even now as I combat PTSD, I can feel better knowing I can help others through my own support.