A group of young people from the Isle of Wight have been sharing their heartwarming stories about the difference the Prince’s Trust scheme has made to their lives.
The teens joined the Isle of Wight’s very first Prince’s Trust team programme as strangers but leave as a group of friends with new skills, boosted confidence and a direction for their futures.
The group of individuals pushed themselves out of their comfort zone, worked together on team challenges and improved their job prospects with CV writing support, mock interviews and work experience, all whilst gaining a nationally recognised Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills.
Furthermore, £750 was raised for local charity from a pop-up car wash held at Ryde Fire Station. This helped pay for the materials needed to transform a community garden for Aspire Ryde.
On Thursday (14th April), the achievements of the group were celebrated by parents and friends during a presentation ceremony. The young people completed their final team task and shared heartwarming stories about their experiences of the programme.
Emily Smith, 19, from Ryde, said:
“I wasn’t doing anything with my life before, but team has changed my life. I have a purpose now and it’s given me a sense of direction.
“I plan to start college in September on a childcare course for two years on the path of becoming a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching assistant at a primary school.
Article continues below this advertisement “I feel really proud to be part of the first team on the island and look forward to reminding people I was there at the beginning in years to come.”
17-year-old Kyle Dulson, from St Lawrence, said:
“I was in trouble before, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and had nothing better to do when a police officer suggested I sign up to the programme.
“I was very nervous about joining, but I’m so pleased I did, it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
The programme has been running successfully in Hampshire for 2 decades but following the formation of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in April 2021, the service is proud to have now delivered its first team based at Ryde Fire Station.
Among those at the presentation afternoon were Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon; High Sheriff Kay Marriott; Chairman of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority Councillor Rhydian Vaughan and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin.
HIWFRS Prince’s Trust Manager, Joanna Gregory, said:
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our first island team and all they have achieved over the last 12 weeks.
“We’re very proud of the impact our young people have made in their community and excited to see them take their next steps as they enter the workplace or seek further education.”
The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is free and aims to reduce the number of young people who aren’t in education, training or employment, by providing them with life skills and a qualification, helping them to prepare for further education or employment.
The next team programme is due to start on Monday 9th May at Sandown Fire Station. Visit HIWFRS Prince’s Trust, email [email protected] or text Team to 07918 887897 for more information and to apply.
