Get on Track Case Study - Ben Horrigan

Among the youngsters that took part in the 'Get on Track' programme in Southwark in the summer of 2010 was Ben Horrigan. As a 16 year old from the Southwark area living with his parents and sister, Ben was kicked out of Harris Academy in Peckham for failing some of the subjects.

When the Trust contacted Ben, he was out of school spending a lot of time being a  recluse at home eating junk food.  With a bit of help and encouragement Ben agreed to join the 'Get on Track' programme. For Ben this was a big step as he had fear of having to interact with unfamiliar faces and the programme was all about working with a team of people he'd never met before. Once Ben faced his fear he actually started to enjoy it. 

With help from his mentors, Ben started to come out of his shell. Ben struck up a great relationaship with the athletes and described them as "easy to talk to", especially Neil Danns, Former European and British Skateboard Champion. He formed a close relationship with the mentors and was able to talk to them about most things.

Ben feels that his biggest achievements from joining the 'Get on Track' programme was gaining confidence, enabling him to speak to people he didn't know. He had to conquer that fear especially on the day  he had to pitch to a group of managers at partner Morgan Hunt's boardroom in a Dragon's Den style as to why they should hire him. Morgan Hunt staff understood Ben's fears and were very helpful in putting him at ease, helping him believe in himself. Ben managed to stand up in the boardroom and talk to the Dragons so successfully that he landed himself  work experience at Morgan Hunt's IT department. This was by far Ben's scariest and most memorable moment of the entire programme. For the Trust it was an example of how we can collaborate with our partners to give the best possible opportunities to the youngsters that we take through our programmes.

The 'Get on Track' programme not only helped Ben secure a work experience with our partners Morgan Hunt in the heart of the city but also made him reflect on the importance of rejoining college. Ben now goes to Southwark College 3 days a week where he's studying Maths, Science, English, and ICT. He particularly enjoys and is good at science and swimming.

Now not only Ben is enjoying his work experience at Morgan Hunt, but he is really grateful for the hands on experience he's getting, which complements his studies, and sees this as a good introduction to the office life. He's also pleased it's given him a good talking point with his friends! As for Ben's mum she's just pleased that we managed to get her son out of the house during the summer to do something amazing and help him come out of his shell and eat less junk food.

Ben would recommend the 'Get on Track' programme to anyone as he believes it'll not only give them more skills but they'll also enjoy the whole process and meet some amazing people and world class mentors.

The Trust keeps in touch with Ben and monitors his progress and wishes him the best of luck in the future and in fulfilling his ambition od becoming a high speed train driver one day.