As part of our 40 Stories for 40 Years campaign, we’re sharing 40 individual stories that reflect the journey, people, and moments that have shaped Umbrella since 1985. Each story highlights a different voice from within our organisation, celebrating the impact we’ve made together over four decades.
Finding His Place: Dan’s Story
Dan Bailey has been part of the Umbrella family for more than 15 years.
His journey began when he was just 15 and a half, after a difficult period in hospital. Following a taster session, Dan joined Umbrella and quickly became a familiar face within our groups and activities.
Now aged 31, Dan has recently finished with Umbrella after reaching the end of our service age. Looking back on his time with us, he reflects on the friendships, experiences and opportunities that have helped him grow along the way.
Starting at Umbrella
When Dan first came to Umbrella, he remembers feeling nervous and being very different from the person he is today.
He initially joined our Side by Side sessions before progressing into our youth groups, attending both for several years. While he describes himself as being a little mischievous when he first started, Umbrella soon became a place where he could build relationships, develop his confidence and learn how to communicate and manage challenges in different ways.
Making Memories
Over 15 years, Dan has had some incredible experiences through Umbrella.
One of his earliest highlights came when he was nominated for a Wish for a Star trip to Iceland. It was an amazing opportunity, and seeing the Northern Lights was a memory he will never forget.
Dan also had the opportunity to appear on The One Show as part of a group of young people connected with Umbrella – another experience that he describes as something he really loved.
These opportunities gave Dan the chance to try new things, meet new people and step outside of his comfort zone.
Learning Independence
For Dan, his time at Umbrella has been about much more than activities and experiences. It has also helped him become more independent and confident.
Through the INDE Group in particular, Dan developed skills that allowed him to support other young people, manage difficult situations and find ways around challenges.
One of the biggest lessons he has taken from his time at Umbrella is that a challenge does not necessarily mean something cannot be done.
Instead, Dan has learned to look for a different way of doing things and to keep trying.
Friendships That Last
Friendships have been one of the most important parts of Dan’s Umbrella journey.
Over the years, he has made close friendships with other young people as well as staff members, and he describes having made “loads of friends” during his time here.
For Dan, these relationships have made Umbrella feel like much more than a service. It has been a community where he has felt supported, challenged and able to be himself.
Life After Umbrella
Although Dan has now finished with Umbrella, he certainly isn’t slowing down!
Today, he is a Scout Leader, volunteers at an alpaca farm three days a week and also volunteers at the Phoenix Trust.
It’s clear that the confidence, independence and skills Dan developed during his time at Umbrella continue to play a part in his life today.
A Message for the Next Generation
When asked what he would say to someone coming to Umbrella for the first time, Dan has some simple advice.
You might not enjoy it straight away, he says, but give it time. Before long, you’ll find your place and discover just how much Umbrella has to offer.
We’d love for you to take some time to watch Dan’s video and hear his story in his own words.
Dan’s 15 years with Umbrella are a wonderful example of how support, friendships and opportunities can help young people grow in confidence, develop independence and discover what they are capable of.
Dan’s story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest journeys begin with simply giving something a try – and that the impact of those first steps can last a lifetime.