“As an asylum seeker who was struggling in a new country, they made me feel like I mattered.”
A 30-year-old woman who came to Northern Ireland to start a new life, has been named the winner of a prestigious award from The King’s Trust. The award is in recognition of the fact that she has overcome immense challenges and is now using her experiences to give back to and inspire others.
Linda came across The King’s Trust while she was living in Belfast as an asylum seeker, desperate to gain experience and become part of society. She has shown resilience and has embraced multiple opportunities to learn. Alongside working full-time, Linda is also a King’s Trust Young Ambassador.
The King’s Trust and TK Maxx Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.
Linda scooped the Watches of Switzerland Group Young Change Maker Award, which recognises a young person who has turned their life around and used their personal experiences to speak out and inspire others.
Speaking about her journey, Linda said: “I’m very grateful for The King’s Trust. They see you as a person, not just a number. As an asylum seeker who was struggling in a new country, they made me feel like I mattered.
“Before coming to the UK, I had been a teacher and had run my own business, so starting from scratch again was difficult. Though I had found a volunteer role to fill my time, I still felt lost. I needed something that helped me belong in this new society.”
Linda saw a poster advertising The King’s Trust and signed up to a computer software programme.
“Before starting the programme, I was excited and nervous. I didn’t know whether I’d be able to understand everything since Spanish is my first language, but soon I was learning to do things that I didn’t know I was capable of.
“I then signed up to some beauty programmes. I had always loved hair and make-up and it felt like the perfect chance to begin a new life in Belfast and do the things I wanted to do, instead of being restricted by society’s expectations. I’m so grateful that these programmes are free of charge because I couldn’t have accessed them otherwise.
“I felt a lot of sadness after arriving in Northern Ireland, and the Trust connected me to their in-house counselling service which has helped me hugely. I began to feel more beautiful, more confident and full of life than I had in a long time. I felt as though I was starting to live again, rather than just existing.”
After getting her refugee status, Linda could look for work and used these new skills and her re-discovered confidence to secure a job in a travel agency where she’s been working for the past year.
She added: “Of course, there are still ups and downs but I’m saving money, renting a house and getting things in place. Being offered the role of King’s Trust Young Ambassador is one of the best things that has happened for me. I’m so proud of myself. I’m passionate about sharing King’s Trust opportunities with other asylum seekers and refugees, encouraging them to take courses and build their confidence.”
Linda has also been offering free beauty services to friends in the community who are struggling which has become a way to connect, heal and find joy together.
“As a Young Ambassador, I have shared my story, advocated for mental health, women’s rights and refugee inclusion. I want to help break the stigma around refugees and asylum seekers and show people that they don’t just have to survive. I’m building, dreaming and helping others rise. And I’m just getting started.
“I am over the moon to have won the Young Change Maker Award. So many people have supported me in my journey and I’m grateful now to be able to support and inspire others.”
Ellie Walmsley, Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation Manager, said: “Well done to you Linda for all you have achieved not only for yourself but in how you continue to inspire and support others. What you have done is remarkable.”
Now Linda is in with a chance to become a National King’s Trust Award winner at a very special event in May 2026. A King’s Trust Celebration in partnership with TK Maxx will spotlight winners from across the UK. Held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, this special evening will bring music, comedy, awards, and unforgettable performances together. The night will celebrate the courage, creativity, and achievements of young people supported by The King’s Trust in the UK and around the world.
Youth charity The King’s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The King’s Trust in the past five years have moved into work, training or education. With almost a million young people not in work, education or training, the Trust is committed to ending youth unemployment so that every young person has the opportunity to succeed.
