Justin Tomlinson MP was the keynote speaker at a recent event hosted by the Prince’s Trust to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Trusts’ ‘Team Programme’ and showcase their new social return on investment report.
Justin spoke about the fantastic work that the Prince’s Trust do in offering opportunities to disadvantaged young people and what more can be done to ensure young people are provided with the best start in life.He spoke about his own background and experiences of attending a school bottom of the league tables, where many of his fellow pupils were allowed to fall through the gaps and some even ending up in prison. These experiences were able to demonstrate the importance of helping young people and equipping them with valuable skills to ensure a bright future.
He also praised the Prince’s Trust Team Programme which has helped 187,000 young people move into education, training, work or volunteering since it first began. Team is a 12-week personal development course, offering work experience, qualifications, practical skills, community projects and a residential week. Young people join a team of up to 15 participants which typically compromises around 12 unemployed people and may also include one or two employed people sponsored by their employers, for whom the programme is an opportunity to develop leadership skills and interact with young people. Part of the programme also involves work in community projects which aims to change the attitudes and perceptions of young people locally and raise the profile of the Trust and its local partners.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I have long been a supporter of the Prince’s Trust and work that they do in communities across the UK. Having experienced an upbringing which is somewhat unconventional for a politician, and having witnessed first-hand what can happen when young people are not given the opportunity to make something of their lives, I am passionate about ensuring every young person gets a fair start in life; regardless of their background. Barclay’s should also be praised for the work they do to support the Trust and providing initiatives that allow youngsters to manage their finances and develop credible skills. It was a very enjoyable event and I look forward to working closely with the Trust in the future.”
