Tracey recently attended a celebration event to honour young people who have participated in the youth charity’s Fairbridge programme and moved on to a positive next step in their lives. The personal development programme helps change the lives of disadvantaged young people living in Kent. More than 200 young people have been supported by The Prince’s Trust Chatham centre in the last year.
Tracey said: “I was delighted to attend the celebration event at The Prince’s Trust centre in Chatham. The Prince’s Trust is proven in making a difference to young people’s lives, particularly through the Fairbridge programme in Medway. I congratulate both the volunteers and the staff of The Prince’s Trust, alongside the commitment of young individuals themselves, whose combined efforts help to improve the future prospects of young adults. I look forward to supporting The Prince’s Trust in any way possible.”
When Darryl, aged 20, from Medway joined the Fairbridge programme he was finding life very difficult. He had very low self-esteem and had plummeted into depression as a result of being bullied for his speech impediment. Darryl had been unemployed for around a year and was finding it difficult to get a job.
Darryl said: “I didn’t leave the house much and didn’t engage with anyone or anything. I had no confidence but I did want to change my life and get out and do something positive.”
Darryl found the courage to engage with the Fairbridge programme last November. He had an opportunity to explore his love of music by signing up to a number of music sessions. He also took part in an ‘Employ Me’ course run by Marriott, which helps young people to become work-ready by offering interview advice and CV workshops. As his confidence grew, Darryl knew that he wanted to work in the music industry in the future. He is now setting up a mobile DJ business, Discophonic.
Darryl said: “Taking part in the Fairbridge programme really helped me improve my confidence. It encouraged me to talk to new people by taking part in activities. I now feel better about myself and have the motivation to focus on music which I love.”
The High Sheriff of Kent, Mrs Georgie Warner, presented Darryl and others with certificates of achievement for participating in the Fairbridge programme over the past year.
Carol Bentall, manager of The Prince’s Trust Chatham centre, said: “We’re extremely proud of the young people we celebrated today. It’s inspiring to see young people overcome challenges in their lives and start to build a positive future. This is our 26th year on the dockyard and we look forward to continuing to support the most marginalised young people back into education, employment or training.”
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps change young lives. It gives practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. It 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. The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped more than 650,000 young people since 1976 and supports 100 more each day. Last year, more than three in four young people supported by The Trust moved into work, education or training. In April 2011, Fairbridge became part of The Prince’s Trust. The new united organisation will help 50,000 young people this year.
To join a Prince’s Trust course or to find out more information on the work of The Trust go to www.princes-trust.org.uk or call 0800 842 842.