Prince's Trust inspires Plymouth young people in St George's Day celebrations

The Prince’s Trust has teamed up with event organiser Councillor Chaz Singh to reach out to the community, to show the support it can offer the 6,700 unemployed young people in Plymouth to get them back into work, education or training, on Saturday 19 April.

A group of 10 young people and Elder Tree members, a local over 50s befriending service, who took part in a Truth About Youth Experience Performing Arts course at the start of the year, will perform a puppet show – which aims to highlight the positive contributions that they make in their communities. This will be followed by an inspirational talk from Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador Damon Foster, 30, from Brixton in Plymouth, who will share his personal journey.

Damon underachieved at school and had to work hard to get to university. Forced to drop out after getting into financial difficulty, he accepted a plumbing apprenticeship and was mentored by his grandfather.

When his grandfather was killed in an accident, Damon became depressed and experienced post-traumatic stress disorder which left him unable to work. He numbed the pain by drinking and got into trouble with the law, but was given a way out when he discovered The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme.

Damon says: “The Prince’s Trust came into my life when I was at my lowest point. I’d fallen into a cycle of excessive drinking, day in and day out. The Enterprise programme gave me something to focus on and I’m looking forward to pursuing two new ventures.

“I’m so grateful for the skills and confidence I gained through the programmes. That’s why I’m, working with them now as a Prince’s Trust Job Ambassador to give something back. I want to encourage others, who are in a similar position to where I was, to see what it can do for them.”

Businesses from across the city will be coming together on St George’s Day to celebrate with a range of activities, including: live music, performances, face painting and creative displays.

Eloise Stevens, outreach manager for the South at The Prince’s Trust, says: “We’re delighted to be part of the St George’s Day celebrations in Plymouth and can’t wait to share with everyone in the city centre the support we can offer to unemployed young people. From building their self-esteem to developing new qualifications, there’s a programme to suit everyone’s needs. So, come and say hello and find out more.”

Last year, The Prince’s Trust, which tackles youth unemployment in every region and country of the UK, worked with 3,543 disadvantaged young people in South West. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.

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