Springboard Programme: Diageo KickStart

Region: Greater London

Year: 2019

As a sufferer of severe anxiety, Darren’s prospects of finding a secure and stable permanent role were limited. The difficulties he faced finding work, coupled with his personal struggles even led him to homelessness not too long ago. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Darren was put in touch with Springboard, and took the plunge to enrol on the Diageo KickStart programme. Having the routine of attending the training everyday with a brand new group of people was daunting at first, but ultimately, this improved Darren’s confidence and he was able to manage his anxiety while learning the ropes of a career in hospitality and bartending.

As part of the course, Darren managed to land a 2-week work placement as a housekeeping porter at the Cavalry & Guards Club in Mayfair, where he impressed his employer enough to secure a full-time position. He’s now been working at the Club since the middle of September 2019 and although he is still dealing with the adversity of mental illness, he is growing and becoming more courageous everyday. He’s even joined a football club in his spare time, which he strongly recommends to anyone suffering from anxiety or another mental illness, claiming that this has been one of the best tools for him.

However, above everything, Darren credits his success in finding a stable role at the Cavalry & Guards Club to the support and guidance he received from the Springboard staff who delivered the Diageo KickStart programme. Since completing the programme, Darren has felt more positive than he had in the years prior, and hopes to continue working on his self-esteem and find more ways to manage his anxiety, while hopefully continuing to progress within his role at the Club.