The legacy of The Prince’s Trust

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/05/2023 (979 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The coronation of King Charles III is generating a new generation of interest in the British Royal Family. I recently did a dive to discover more about its charitable activities, and learned about an innovative enterprise started by Charles that is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth.

In 1976, after completing his duty in the Royal Navy, the Prince of Wales – which was his title prior to becoming King – came up with an idea. At that time, the U.K. was struggling with record levels of unemployment and inflation, and young people, in particular, were suffering. Charles used his Navy severance pay to fund 21 youth-focused community initiatives around the country. These early pilot projects became the foundation for a new charity.

The Prince’s Trust is built on the mandate that every young person should have the chance to succeed, regardless of their backgrounds or the challenges they face. The aim is to help those from disadvantaged communities by helping them develop the confidence and skills to live, learn, and earn.

The Prince’s Trust offers a range of free programs designed for those aged 11 to 30 to develop essential life skills, prepare for work, and access job opportunities that can lead to a more stable and fulfilling life. Also available on its website – www.princes-trust.org.uk – is a selection of useful resources like business plan templates, networking tips, budget planners, and more. These tools are free for anyone to access.

People who want to contribute to the work of The Prince’s Trust can make direct financial donations, get involved in fundraising, become strategic partners, or take part in various events that take place each year – including marathons, cycling tours, music festivals, and Christmas concerts. You can also support the youth who have benefited from The Trust by visiting their businesses if you are ever in the U.K.

In Manchester, Yes Lah is a restaurant serving a wide range of dishes inspired by cuisine from the Philippines. It was started with help from The Prince’s Trust enterprise courses, a start-up grant, a business mentor, and a network of contacts from the food industry.

In London, Scootch sells a variety of croquettes to pubs, bars, and restaurants, including Bullfinch Brewery. Originally a street food business, Scootch pivoted during the pandemic lock-down after the owner attended a virtual enterprise course offered by The Prince’s Trust.

In Birmingham, The Scran Man is a dine-in and takeout location that features American-inspired comfort food creations such as Philly cheese steak, mac and cheese, and barbecue. The owner also attended an enterprise course, and was able to secure a loan from The Prince’s Trust to expand his business.

Since inception, The Prince’s Trust has supported more than one million youth across the U.K. through its many grants and courses. In 2017, it began helping globally through The Prince’s Trust Group, a global network of charities reaching beyond the Commonwealth. They now deliver education, employment, enterprise, and environmental projects in over 20 countries around the world – including right here in North America, through Prince’s Trust USA, and Prince’s Trust Canada, which you can learn more about at www.princestrust.ca

Through the international outreach, their mandate remains the same: helping disadvantaged young people with the necessary skills to live, learn and earn. Wherever they call home.