The Prince’s Trust Team courses are more important than ever for helping young people turn their lives around.
In Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, Teams run by The Bedford College Group have been applauded by The Prince’s Trust for producing great examples of success stories.
Fiona Bradley, Youth Team Development Lead with The Prince’s Trust praised the work after joining two separate “graduation” events for two separate 12-week Teams groups.
“They are an amazing bunch of young people and their progress is a success not just for themselves but for their families and supporters who helped them to sign up to The Prince’s Trust. We have helped over 1 million young people since The Prince’s Trust was founded in 1976 by the then Prince Charles, and now as King, he has said he wants this great work to continue,” said Fiona.
Both groups undertook community projects, fund-raising and a challenging team-building residential trip to the Peak District taking part in abseiling (one said: ‘Those who were most scared were the most keen to do it again’) and water sports, as well as arranging their own catering and evening entertainment. They also had to undertake work placement to prepare them for employment.
The Bedford Team held their presentation at the hidden jewel of the Leslie Sell Activity Centre off Mollivers Lane, Bromham.
Team Leader Alix Waddington and her assistant Charlotte Coulton said: “Seeing these young people come so far in such a short space of time has been so inspiring. I am so proud of them.”
Josh Filby, just 18 of Elstow, undertook his work placement at the Leslie Sell location with Activity Centre Manager George Gordon and hopes to come back and volunteer at the countryside facility.
The woodland setting was a wonderful contrast to the Bedford High Street offices where the Team is based, above the Bedford College Learning Centre. There they prepared for their various activities including painting and decorating some of the buildings at the Bromham facility, which is used by scouts and more for adventure activities.
Naomi Barlow, aged 16, of Sharnbrook, is now joining Animal Management at Shuttleworth College, part of The Bedford College Group, which has a unique tropical biome and a wide range of species. She said: “The Prince’s Trust course taught me to work as part of a team. I would definitely recommend the course to others.”
If you would like to learn more about The Prince’s Trust and its FREE courses go to
www.princes-trust.org.uk or visit bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk for more local information.
