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 that helps young people, ages 14-30, overcome barriers -- such as long-term unemployment, challenges at school or with the law -- and get their lives working so they can make a positive contribution to society. The Prince’s Trust supports young people in a number of ways through training, personal development, business start-up support, mentoring and financial assistance. Examples include:

• A 12-week personal development course called Team that helps 16-25 year olds -- the majority unemployed -- to develop confidence, motivation and skills through teamwork in the community. The course is delivered through partners such as colleges and the fire service and utilizes support of 50 Premier and Football League Clubs to recruit and retain young people on the Teams.
• Low interest loans, grants and other business start-up support for 18-30 year olds. Most are unemployed and have been refused funding by other sources.
• Cash grants for groups of young people, so they can design and deliver projects that address community issues.
• A six-month programme that helps unemployed young people develop their musical talents, as well as self-confidence and life skills.

Prince’s Trust also supports other key target groups, working with specialists. These include a program called xl clubs for 14-16 year olds at risk of truanting, exclusion and underachievement. Also the Pilots in prisons program which pilots personal development courses in prison for those still serving their sentences, as preparation for release.

For further information contact:
The Prince's Trust – Head Office
18 Park Square East
London NW1 4LH
Phone 020 7543 1234
Fax 020 7543 1200
www.princes-trust.org.uk

The National Children’s Bureau
Established in 1963, the National Children’s bureau promotes the voice, interests and well-being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives.

As an umbrella body for the Children’s sector, NCB provides essential information on policy, research and best practice for its members and other partners. In 2003, NCB had 1,044 members, making it the largest multi-agency network of local authorities, health trusts and health organizations, independent and voluntary organizations, nurseries, schools, colleges, universities and individuals in England and Northern Ireland.

NCB was instrumental in helping the government develop and frame the content of the Children’s Act. The organization has also adopted and works within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

NCB is currently working with IYF on a three-year “Make A Connection” project which aims at increasing the life skills of UK 11- to 18-year old youth in and out of schools. Read more about it