“My life has changed a lot - I'm definitely a lot busier since I started my business but all in all, I'm really happy. Especially with what I do, helping other people. It makes you feel really good.”
Ben struggled to find permanent employment. He didn't know what to do until he discovered the Enterprise programme at The Prince’s Trust, which helped him to set up his own surf business.
As a child in Bristol, Ben had grown up far away from the sea. He had always loved surfing however, so eventually moved to Swansea to attend university and to pursue his dream.
Having been diagnosed with dyspraxia, Ben faced a number of challenges while growing up. So, after volunteering at an event to help children with autism, he decided he wanted to do more. He managed to secure work at a school helping young people with learning difficulties, but when the contract came to an end, he was left unemployed.
"The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme helped me to realise that my idea really could work. However, while I knew I had the practical coaching skills, I didn’t have the business knowledge."
After hearing about The Prince’s Trust’s Enterprise programme through friends, he decided to use his passion for surfing to create his business – Surfability UK CIC – which helps people with disabilities and learning difficulties to surf, while also boosting their confidence. He hasn’t looked back since.
"A lot of the clients I work with don’t have any other way of getting the support that Surfability gives them. A couple of the lads I’m working with at the moment are really excited about their next session so it makes it all really worthwhile.”
Enter the Omaze Million Pound House Draw and not only will you have the chance to win a Cotswolds forever home worth over £2,500,000 but you’ll also be supporting The Prince’s Trust, helping thousands of young people to get the skills and confidence to find work, train or start a business - at a time when help is needed more than ever. That’s what we call a win-win. So what are you waiting for? Enter now.
