Thanks to Alan for sharing details of this great opportunity with the Princes Trust for potential mentors. Why not help make a difference if you can? Ed
“If only someone will listen to me”!
“I have an opinion too”!
“This is my 25th application for a job – now they don’t even bother to reply!”
“He spends hours on his computer!”
“He should be like his elder brother who respects people and has a job.”
“All young people want to do is stand around scaring people, with one ear on their mobile phones waiting for the call to riot!”
Sound familiar?
These are both the screams of young people and the often repeated frustrating comments of adults.
So often the press and adults are quick to condemn rather than praise – young people are a hugely positive force – the quiet carers, fundraisers and energetic volunteers.
It is this respect for young people that is at the core of what the Prince’s Trust does here on the Isle of Wight giving young people the skills and confidence they need to flourish.
Many programmes benefit Island youngsters
The Trust works with 13-to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.
More than three in four young people helped by the Trust go on to work or training.
On the Island the Trust has run a number of programmes with its partner the United Kingdom Sailing Academy – UKSA. These have helped young people enjoy a career in the Maritime industry that would have been beyond reach otherwise.
Partners provide vital support
The Trust also works with Southampton Football Club and Hampshire Fire and Rescue, which delivers the Prince’s Trust’s 12-week Team personal development course. These partners, including many local businesses, are vital to the work of the Trust.
Having recently joined forces with youth charity Fairbridge, which has a centre in Southampton, the Trust is now able to help change the lives of more young people than ever before. It is interesting that during the 2011 riots across the UK those young people engaged in Prince’s Trust programmes did not take part in the mayhem.
Economic benefits
One of the most innovative ways the Trust helps is by supporting young entrepreneurs – this is done by assessing an idea or project and providing both a Mentor and cash to get things started.
Businesses supported by the Prince’s Trust turn over £50 million a year in the South East of England.
Call for Mentors
However, The Prince’s Trust on the Isle of Wight needs Mentors to continue its vital work.
Mentors come from all walks of life, they need to be experienced people, know how to listen but more than anything else have real faith in young people. The time commitment is manageable and full training is provided.
Mentors help ensure that young people get the maximum possible benefit from the Trust’s programmes. The experience is incredibly rewarding for Mentors also.
A range of Mentors
In addition to the Business Mentor role described above, Progression Mentors support young people who have attended one of the Trust’s programmes in securing education, employment or other training. Development Award Assessors consider grant applications from young people who need funding from the Trust as part of this process.
With this is mind, Prince’s Trust volunteer Alan Limb, who lives on the Island, is calling for volunteers to come forward as Mentors. Alan said, “While arguments rage about the economic health of the nation, unemployment among young people is rising at an alarming rate. Too many are not getting the chance to realise their potential.
“That’s why The Prince’s Trust urgently needs Mentors who can help make a difference to the lives of young people on the Island.”
Get in touch
If you are interested in applying to become a Mentor, please get in touch.
Call Laura Keith, at The Prince’s Trust on 02380 622 666 or e-mail Alan Limb ([email protected]).
