In the last 40 years, The Prince's Trust has helped a staggering 825,000 young people to turn their lives around. It's remarkable to think how much has been achieved since our President, HRH The Prince of Wales, launched the trust in 1976.
Every day our dedicated outreach teams meet young people facing barriers such as long-term unemployment, bullying and homelessness. There are around 628,000 young people in the UK out of work and there's a real danger that many of them will be left behind. Our goal is to make sure as many as possible are helped to a better future.
An alarming number of young people face mental health and emotional wellbeing issues or turn to drink and drugs to escape the harsh reality of their lives. This is where the trust steps in.
Our programmes can help a vulnerable young person to build up their self-esteem, skills and aspirations and ultimately achieve success. This could mean getting a job, going back into education, undertaking training, or even becoming their own boss and starting up their own business.
I'm always inspired by the stories of some of the young people who come to us for help and guidance. The support we are able to give them really is life changing.
Take Laine for example.
Laine, 17 from Dagenham, said she "hated" herself. She had become isolated from other people and took drugs to try and fill a void. She was bullied, started self-harming and even contemplated suicide. Since completing our 12-week team programme, her confidence has drastically improved. She received invaluable support, learned new skills and has since started working as a graphic design apprentice for a marketing company.
Thanks to support from partners such as City Bridge Trust, Morgan Stanley and many more, as well as our dedicated network of volunteers, The Prince's Trust can give young people like Laine the practical and emotional support needed to stabilise their lives, develop self-esteem and become ready for work.
Whilst we can be immensely proud of what has been achieved by the trust in the last 40 years, we are also focused on the future. I firmly believe we all have a duty to help our younger generation make their future a happy and successful one. After all, they will be future employers and leaders of this country. They'll also be bringing up and inspiring the next generation to come.
If you'd like to get involved with our work, please take a look at our website to find out about opportunities to fundraise or volunteer. And if you run a small business and can offer an entry-level job to a bright, work-ready young person, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
For more information visit: princes-trust.org.uk
