<b/>“Explore got me out of my room, got me meeting people, and helped me realise I had skills I never knew I had.” – Edward </b>
Before Edward discovered Shepherd’s Star, he was struggling with depression and anxiety, feeling very isolated and finding it difficult to leave his home. His turning point came when he was referred to the Explore programme by his Job Centre coach. From the very beginning, he was struck by the warmth and friendliness of Explore.
“It made me feel relaxed. It made me feel welcome. Explore got me out of my shell and helped me engage with people that I wasn’t really doing before.” he recalls.
Explore gave Edward structure to his day, helping him build confidence and re-engage socially in ways that once felt impossible. Through the skills introduction workshops at Explore, he began trying new activities and discovered a hidden talent: coffee-making. On the course, he learnt how to operate a coffee machine, pull the perfect espresso and froth milk. This led him to sign up to Shepherd’s Star’s AQA accredited Shine Barista Training programme, where he continued to flourish.
Today, Edward finds himself in a much more positive and productive place. He has secured a job opportunity at a café in Putney and is excited to begin this next chapter. When asked how he felt, being invited to interview for the barista role, he replied: “It’s something I never thought I’d hear. I never knew I had the commitment or skill to be wanted by a professional.”
Edward speaks warmly of the people who supported him along the way, including Lavender, his mentor in coffee training, and the Shepherd’s Star team. “It feels heartwarming to know that people cared. It’s like a light in dark times,” he says. So inspired by his experience, Edward has already recommended Shepherd’s Star to others – and two people have since joined the Explore programme because of him.
Reflecting on his journey, Edward says: “I’ve learned that I can make a great coffee. I’ve learned that I am more sociable than I thought I was. I’ve learned that I am a good person to be around. And it’s all thanks to Shepherd’s Star.”
Most importantly, he has begun becoming the person he’s wanted to be for years: in paid employment, with better mental and physical health. With new skills, growing confidence, and a job on the horizon, Edward feels optimistic about what lies ahead. “All in all, I think things are only going to go up from here. I can’t wait for the road ahead.”
Edward’s advice to others facing similar challenges: “The bad times don’t last forever. There is help out there, and you can achieve your goals if you set your mind to it.”
