This page gives further details of The Prince’s Trust, an organisation awarded £169,497 over two years in 2006/07 by the Partnership Grants Scheme.
The Prince's Trust was founded in 1976 by The Prince of Wales. Having completed his duty in the Royal Navy, His Royal Highness became dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK, and began the Trust to deliver on that commitment.
The Trust has become the UK's leading youth charity, offering a range of opportunities including training, personal development, business start up support, mentoring and advice.
- Visit the Prince's Trust's website www.princes-trust.org.uk
The Young Ambassadors scheme
Young people who had completed previous Prince’s Trust programmes in London, East Midlands, Scotland and Northern Ireland were given two day residential training to become Young Ambassadors. The training taught them discussion and debating skills, as well as understanding of parliamentary and democratic systems.
The Young Ambassadors then attended different events designed to engage interest in the wider political sphere; including themed seminars with experts in their fields, Youth Parliaments (particularly in Scotland), liaising with local councillors, MPs, MSPs and MEPs, as well as feeding into government consultations. Our grant funded staffing costs, travel, training, interviews and associated project costs.
Project outcomes
Outcomes achieved
The Prince’s Trust developed a very successful project, training 139 young ambassadors who then educated their peers through awareness raising events and road shows. More than 830 young people had their awareness of democracy increased through these events and more than 800 young people received voter registration forms and were encouraged to register to vote at democracy events.
Case study
Susan joined the Young Ambassador project after successfully completing The Prince’s Trust Team programme. She had been unemployed for almost nine months and was at a low point in her life. Susan said ‘I was particularly interested in the Young Ambassadors project because I had no prior knowledge of what my vote counts for and different levels of government.’
Whilst participating in the project, Susan learned about the electoral process and appreciated the training she received. She now uses the skills and knowledge she developed on the project in her work with Girl Guides/Scouts by talking to young people about the political process. Susan added ‘Since completing the course, I have learnt how important it is to vote and I want to make other young people aware that there are programmes that can help them develop their political knowledge.’
