Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall recently met young people from some of the communities most affected by the London riots at The Prince's Trust centre in Hackney.
The visit comes as The Prince of Wales’ youth charity – The Prince’s Trust – announces plans to double its support for young people across five of the areas hardest hit by the England riots, including Manchester, Birmingham and the London communities of Hackney, Tottenham and Croydon.
The Trust is planning a £2.5 million investment in these areas, giving disadvantaged young people positive opportunities to keep their lives on track. As well as committing £1 million from funds already raised, the charity is calling on the business community to back a £1.5 million fundraising drive to raise the rest of the cash.
“The tragic events of last week have left communities torn apart,” said Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince’s Trust. “Many young people are now very vulnerable. We know the vast majority of young people were not involved in the criminal activity and it is these young people we need to protect from the devastating aftermath of the riots.”
HRH The Prince of Wales set up The Prince’s Trust in 1976 following social unrest and high levels of youth unemployment. The charity’s famous business start-up programme was launched in 1983 following conversations with young people in the aftermath of the Brixton and Toxteth riots.
“Our work today is more relevant than ever,” says Milburn . “This is an immediate opportunity for businesses to invest in schemes which are proven to work. More than three in four young people supported by Prince’s Trust programmes move into work, education or training. We can give the next generation of young people a future to be positive about.”
The money raised by The Trust’s fundraising drive will help young people into jobs, education and training – and create role models for other disadvantaged young people in the future.
Source: Prince's Trust
