Call for young people in Lincolnshire to sign up to ‘life-changing’ Prince’s Trust programme

The Prince’s Trust team programme offers 16- to 25-year-olds a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop new skills.

The 12-week personal development course involves action-packed outdoor activities, team challenges, community work, a job placement and careers guidance.

The course has helped over 1,300 young people in Lincolnshire improve their prospects, and over 70 per cent have gone on to make great achievements in employment or education.

One such young person is Dave Glover, 18, from Gainsborough. He said: “Two years ago I was doing great at school. I had passed 17 GCSEs – seven of those were A* grades. I was one of the top pupils in my year, but I didn’t apply myself in sixth form and I was kicked out for bad behaviour.

“I became a troublesome teen – I kept running away from home and ended up in care. My social worker said I should join the Prince’s Trust. I wasn’t sure if the course could help me but I had to do something to turn my life around.

“The course started with a residential visit in the Peak District, it was absolutely fantastic. I was mixing with lots of different people as we went caving, climbing and took part in some team building exercises.

“Then we were challenged to give something back to the local community, so we worked together to improve the outside area at the Branston Junior School. It was really satisfying to see the children enjoy our work and I learnt that I could make a difference.

“The Prince’s Trust has been life changing for me and I would recommend the course to anyone. It has made me realise that the world isn’t against me. I am now studying hospitality at college, I have two jobs, and I help out with the Prince’s Trust programme as a volunteer.”

Prince’s Trust team leader Lorraine Espin-Hempsall praised Dave’s progress. She said: “Dave has started to turn his life around and he’s changed so much since I first met him. When he joined us, Dave was really low on confidence, and on his first day he refused to walk through the door. I took him to one side and we had a quick pep-talk. He decided to make the leap and from the moment he walked through the door, it was like he was a different person.

“We work with young people from all different backgrounds to help improve their career prospects, confidence and communication skills. If you are between 16 and 25 years old, unsure what to do next or you just fancy doing something different, please give us a call.”

Applications are open for the next Prince’s Trust courses. The first sessions are Lincoln and Gainsborough on May 11, then Grantham and Boston on May 18. If there isn’t a course in your area but you can travel to one, arrangements can be made to reimburse your bus fare.

To book a place, contact the Prince’s Trust team on 01522 582285 or email [email protected]