Mentors can change young lives

By Max Burnell

Sunday, June 17, 2012

 

A CALL has gone out for more mentors for the Prince’s Trust on the Isle of Wight.

The trust provides support for young people between the ages of 13 and 30 who have struggled at school, been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.

The organisation makes a real difference to the lives of young people. More than 75 per cent of those helped by the trust go on to work or training, while businesses supported by the trust turn over more than £50 million a year in the south of England alone.

Mentors need to be experienced people who have real faith in young people. Time commitment for the role is manageable, full training is provided and the experience is incredibly rewarding.

One of the most innovative ways the trust helps is by supporting young entrepreneurs. This is done by assessing an idea or project and providing both a business mentor and funding to get things started.

Progression mentors provide support for young people who have attended one of the trust’s programmes. These mentors aid in securing education, employment or further training.

Isle of Wight trust volunteer Alan Limb is calling for mentors to come forward: "Unemployment among young people is rising at an alarming rate. Too many are not getting the chance to realise their full potential.

"The Prince’s Trust urgently needs mentors who can help make a difference to the lives of young people on the Island."

Anyone interested in applying to become a mentor contact Laura Keith on 02380 622 666 or e-mail Alan Limb at alimb@briuk.co.uk

Comments

Log-in or register to comment on this story. See our House Rules here.

By ticking "Remember me" you agree to a cookie being stored on your computer - no personal data is shared.

Forgotten your password?

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.