The Prince’s Trust does not save lives. It doesn’t change
them either.
It gives young people the power to change their own lives
and gives them skills they will use for years to come.
This, among many reasons, is why I feel so passionate about
the Trust.
When I joined the Team Programme in June 2013, my confidence
and prospects were at an all time low. Without going into already covered territory,
I was in a pretty bad place and needed a kick up the backside.
I agreed, after an annoying (yet necessary as it turned out)
amount of pressure from my JobCentre adviser, to attend the open event and see
what the fuss was about. The idea of spending twelve weeks in a room with
people I didn't know was an image of hell for my introverted self.
My life changed after the first day.
I immediately opened myself up to possibilities and
opportunities with the intention of experiencing everything I possibly could
from those 3 months. I found myself doing things I never would have considered –
like getting in a canoe despite having a gripping fear of drowning.
I didn't finish the programme and immediately go into work,
as some young people assume will happen. I gave everything to that course but
the opportunity for work just wasn't there. However, I knew full well that the
skill set the course gave me would lead, however long it took, to better and
more fulfilling job prospects. This, it has done – I am now a proud social
media apprentice for West Midlands Fire Service, a fantastic job and the start
of what will hopefully be a successful career.
Just over a year on, I am privileged to say that I am a
Young Ambassador for the Trust, and am due to attend my first event in early
October. What has been given to me in terms of confidence, skills and
positivity is a debt that can’t be repaid with any number of promotional events
that I speak at.
The summer of intake of Young Ambassadors for the Midlands
What I hope is that I can encourage young people to get
involved with what is, in fact, a fantastic and essential charity in this
country. If every young person was able to get participate in the huge range of
courses offered, the future of this country would look very bright indeed.
Young people are the future of this country. Their well
being, their prospects, and their attitude are essential to how we progress as
a nation. Whatever our age or background, we all have a responsibility to give
something to the people who will determine how we live our lives in the future.
This is something The Prince’s Trust have set about doing with fantastic
schemes and programmes that will, and I repeat with certainty, WILL give young
people the skills to change their lives.
