Graffiti artist becomes millionth person helped by Prince's Trust

Dan Hardeman, 27 from Telford, was helped by the trust to open his own graffiti art business earlier this year.

He had taken the decision to try and realise his artistic potential after being made redundant from his cast iron foundry job.

Dan said he had always enjoyed creative subjects at school, including media studies and art, and also taught young people graffiti art in youths club across Telford, while studying at college.

Following college he worked in a factory for two years and then nights at a cast iron foundry for six years.

Although the foundry was regular work, he said it did not offer the creativity he enjoyed.

After being made redundant from the foundry last November he managed to find a job as a part-time mobile caretaker for Telford and Wrekin Site Support Services – working throughout the pandemic, as his school was open for key workers.

With no real business experience he contacted The Prince’s Trust, which put him on its enterprise programme – leading to him launching his business in February this year.

As part of the programme Dan also has a mentor, James, who offers him business advice and support.

Dan said: "I didn’t realise The Prince’s Trust has supported so many young people. I feel quite special and honoured to be the one millionth young person. Unbelievable! Graffiti art has been a passion of mine for so long and now it’s my business – it’s great.

"The Prince’s Trust offered me the support I needed to set up my business I’m so glad I got in touch with The Prince’s Trust, they’ve been incredible."

Michele Farmer, regional director at The Prince’s Trust said: “It’s heartening to see that Dan has been able to use his creative skills to develop his own business. Such a great achievement. This shows that with the right support young people can achieve and fulfil their potential."

She added: "It is truly a responsibility for all of us to ensure the odds aren’t stacked against this generation of young people, by supporting them to upskill, retrain and access job opportunities. Or else we risk losing their ambition and potential for long-term unemployment, a stable future and the recovery of our economy. Government, employers and charities must work together and act now to prevent a lost generation."