Prince's Trust ambassador Pierce Brosnan has spoken out about the riots that rocked the UK in the latest edition of OK magazine, and is declaring that now is the time for action.
“Like the majority of people, I was shocked and saddened by the events that took place this summer when rioting spread across some of the UK’s major cities,” he writes. "As the nation reflects on the chaos, we must remember that the vast majority of young people were not involved and are incredibly proud of their communities.
“The riots have left these communities devastated and the young people living there increasingly vulnerable. It is these young people who need to be shown they can still have a positive future.
“I was lucky when I left school at 16 to find acting, to find a passion, but not all young people have that. Many leave school with few qualifications, little confidence and no one to offer guidance on what step to take next. Those living in the aftermath of the riots today may well feel particularly let down and isolated by society.
“I have worked with The Prince’s Trust for many years now, since my days of playing James Bond in the mid-‘90s. I’ve witnessed the huge impact the charity’s work can have on young lives and on the communities in which they live.
“I’ve met young lads and girls who had given up hope, but they found the self-belief they needed through The Prince’s Trust. They found they had abilities and talents they didn’t know about – and they ended up with lives they had never dared hope for.
“I was so glad to hear that The Prince’s Trust was listening to the young people in the communities hit hardest. They announced plans for a £2.5 million fund to double the number of young people supported in Hackney, Tottenham, Croydon, Birmingham and Manchester.
“The charity is committing £1 million from funds previously donated but they urgently need to raise a further £1.5 million to achieve their goals.”
For the full article, see OK magazine, 4th October 2011.
Source: Prince's Trust
