Twenty-four year-old Luke Shepherd is a keen batsman. During his teen years he played for Middlesex County Cricket Club. In 2005, he was hospitalised for mental paranoia and was unable to play his beloved game.  Luke says: “I had hit rock bottom and felt like I had no hope. It was very scary time for me. I was in hospital for four years and had had enough. I decided to grab life by the throat and be more positive.” 

Luke signed onto the Personal Best programme at Sussex Downs College. The programme is designed to help individuals gain a nationally recognised qualification in volunteering, though classes and one-to-one support, as well as boosting self-esteem though work experience. The programme focuses on those with little or no qualifications.

On successful completion of the programme, participants could have the chance to become a Games Time Volunteer (GTV) at the London 2012 Games. The Personal Best Programme in the South East is one of the first projects to be recognised by the London 2012 Inspire programme.

Things are now looking up for Luke. He is about to complete the Personal Best programme, has become a member of a local cricket club in Maidenhead, and has volunteering placements arranged with Windsor Cricket Club and the Leisure Services Department of the Borough Council.

Luke enthuses; “This programme is really helping me and I am doing something that I really enjoy. I am playing at the cricket club quite regularly now.  After this, I’m going to start volunteering at the cricket club, then go to college and do a sports course. Eventually I would like to become a sports coach in cricket or football, but my ideal job would be a grounds man at a cricket club. Because of my mental health, I have not previously been employed. I needed motivation and guidance to move forward in my life and this programme has helped with that. It has made me more confident and has given me a more positive outlook on life.”