I completed my Fellowship in 1998 by visiting Brooklyn, New York. As a young man who was at the time working in rural Devon, England – and planning my travel in pre-internet days – this was an adventure that shaped my future.

I spent my time living in and volunteering for the YMCA and feeling very much an 'Englishman in New York'. I listened, observed and learnt how community development was delivered and brought back ideas to implement in the UK, starting personal development programmes for different groups of young people who were homeless, unemployed and in prison.

Motivated by my Fellowship, I moved to London and have since pursued a career in training and development across the country. I enjoy finding the moments and methods that unlock the potential in others, whether they are connected to a personal change or professional progress. I've never forgotten my Fellowship and what it invested in me. It was a formative experience as a young adult and I continue to promote the opportunity to others at every chance I get.