Whilst the media spotlight has been firmly focused on Prince William in recent times, a charity established by his father continues to work quietly behind the scenes to improve the lives of young people throughout the British Isles. The Prince’s Trust provides a range of innovative programmes designed to help 16 to 25-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed, or have been in trouble with the law. The charity offers practical and financial assistance, and seeks to develop the key workplace skills, confidence and motivation to enable young people to move into work, education or training. The Prince’s Trust has been active in the Isle of Man for 25 years, and the local committee is striving to promote further awareness of its services and value to the community. Attention is currently focused on providing meaningful support to young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). NEETs has been identified as an area of growing concern in the Isle of Man as the global economic downturn and strong competition in the labour market makes it harder for school and university leavers to secure employment. Prince’s Trust in the Isle of Man is committed to playing its part in addressing this challenge by helping eligible individuals through its Development Award scheme, which provides a grant of up to ?500. Among other things, a Development Award can be used to: • buy clothes for a job interview or new job • cover fees for a training course • fund childcare costs to help young people attend a college course • buy equipment, materials or tools • pay for travel costs to a work placement, training course or job The committee receives numerous requests to fund driving lessons, but can only support applications that meet the required criteria; for example, where a vehicle licence is essential to take up an offer of employment or training. Prince’s Trust provides important assistance for four main groups of young people - those who are unemployed, underachieving in education, those leaving care, and young offenders. Isle of Man Committee Chairman Robin James said: ‘The Prince’s Trust encourages young people to take responsibility for themselves; helping them build the life they choose rather than the one they’ve ended up with. ‘A Development Award can be the catalyst that helps to transform a young person’s circumstances, whether it is funding to enrol on a college course or tools to start a trade apprenticeship. ‘More than that, support provided by the Prince’s Trust can boost self-esteem and confidence, and give individuals a renewed sense of purpose and an opportunity to make a fresh start.’ Applications for funding from the Prince’s Trust can be made directly by a young person, or through referrals from other agencies, charities and voluntary organisations. In order to continue its valuable work in the local community, the charity relies on fundraising, corporate sponsorship and public donations. Fundraising organiser Wayne Tomlinson said: ‘All the money raised in the Isle of Man stays in the Isle of Man. ‘Prince’s Trust is a unique partner, with a commercial and independent approach. We know that every company has individual requirements, so we work closely with our sponsors to build lasting partnerships that deliver impressive results. ‘Working with the Prince’s Trust in the Isle of Man provides a tremendous opportunity to put something back into the community and to help our young people to flourish.’ For further information about the work of the Prince’s Trust in the Isle of Man please contact Robin James on 495380 or Voirrey Kennaugh on 686057. To find out more about fundraising and sponsorship opportunities please contact Wayne Tomlinson on 471598. Ends