Youth Week launches in Cheltenham (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Youth Week launches in Cheltenham

November 14, 2008 2:52 PM

Richard Smith's wife had ME and was very unwell for long periods, leaving Richard unable to work full-time as he was needed to care for her.

After finding out about The Prince's Trust, Richard applied for the charity's Business Programme. He now runs a successful company, Computersmiths, having set up with the help of a mentor and a grant through The Trust.

Richard is today (14 NOVEMBER) spending a day-in-the-life with Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood to mark The Prince's Trust's Youth Week.

The week-long campaign (15 - 21 NOVEMBER) aims to bridge the gap between young people and the rest of society, dispelling negative myths around youths and highlighting the positive contributions they make to their communities.

On the same day as Martin Horwood MP marks the launch of Youth Week in Cheltenham, The Prince of Wales will launch his charity's campaign nationally from London.

The visit, on the eve of Youth Week, falls on The Prince's 60th birthday. The day will give Richard the opportunity to share his own personal stories and experiences with the MP, while seeing behind-the-scenes of a typical working day in his constituency.

Richard says: "If hadn't had my business mentor, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't have the confidence to continue with the business. It's made all the difference to have someone there to reassure me and keep me motivated.

"I think The Prince's Trust is a fantastic thing but still not widely known enough.

If you are having problems and need help I would encourage anyone the right side 30 to talk to them and see if they can help."

Martin Horwood MP for Cheltenham comments: "I'm particularly pleased to be supporting the Prince's Trust on His Royal Highness's 60th birthday. Having worked for many years in the voluntary sector myself, I have long been an admirer of Prince Charles's charitable initiatives. They have rarely got the credit they deserve but have contributed to the life-chances of many exceptional young people who would not have got a break otherwise. Richard is an inspirational individual and examples like his should help to dispel some of the negative press that young people get these days."

Youth Week will encourage those who need more support to contact The Prince's Trust, at the same time as highlighting young people's achievements and successes.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust comments: "Youth Week gives young people a voice, letting the public know about the positive difference they can and do make to society."

• Last year, 10,000 young people on Prince's Trust projects helped to transform their local area - an investment in the community worth £6 million.

• The NatWest Community Cash Awards - grants worth up to £5,000 - allow young people to run their own community projects, developing their own skills and creativity while making improvements to their local area.

• The Trust's Team programme helps unemployed 16- to 25-year-olds develop their skills for work while volunteering in the community.

• Three in four young people on Prince's Trust programmes go on to work, training or education.

More than fifty MPs across the country have shown their support for Youth Week, with many spending today with a young person in their constituency who has turned their life around with help from The Trust. See www.princes-trust.org.uk/youthweek.