Buddy joined a Supported Internship programme to gain work experience and gain a customer service qualification needed to progress into employment.

From day one he worked hard and went above and beyond expectations, both within the classroom environment and at the work placement. He quickly became a valuable addition to the team at the Mile End Leisure Centre – where his enthusiasm, passion and hard work did not go unnoticed for long before he was offered a role as a Kids Activity Instructor.

Buddy’s success on his internship placement led to London Ability negotiating a full time paid role for him as a Leisure Centre Assistant where he is continuing to progress. He is shortly due to undertake his lifeguarding test to top it all he recently received the GLL Pride Award and previously he has won The Mentor of the Year award at the GLL end of year awards, where he won a flat screen TV as a prize.

Buddy’s centre manager commented: “Buddy has had a great journey at GLL, going from work experience student to colleague, mentor and a role model to new work experience students. Seeing him succeed has been the most rewarding experience. He is a true inspiration to all”.