The Prince's Trust

The Prince's Trust. It is a youth charity in the United Kingdom founded in 1976 by The Prince of Wales. The organisation's core mission is to help young people aged 11 to 30 who are unemployed or struggling at school to build their confidence and skills. It operates a wide range of programmes across the United Kingdom and has expanded its work internationally.

History and founding

The charity was established in 1976 by The Prince of Wales using his severance pay from the Royal Navy. Its creation was influenced by his experiences with the Community Service Volunteers and a desire to address rising youth unemployment. Early support came from figures like Sir John Harvey-Jones and the organisation initially focused on small business start-up loans. A significant early milestone was the launch of the first The Prince's Trust Awards in 1983, recognising the achievements of young people. The charity merged with the Fairbridge charity in 2011, expanding its reach to support disadvantaged young people across the United Kingdom.

Mission and objectives

The primary mission is to support young people facing significant barriers, including unemployment, homelessness, or time in the criminal justice system. Key objectives include improving employability, fostering entrepreneurship, and building essential life skills to break cycles of disadvantage. The work aims to create long-term positive outcomes, reducing the likelihood of young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This aligns with broader national strategies to boost social mobility and economic participation across regions like Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Programmes and initiatives

Core programmes include **Get Started**, short courses using subjects like music or sport to build teamwork. The **Get Into** programme provides sector-specific training with partners like NHS and Network Rail. For enterprise, the **Enterprise Programme** offers mentoring and funding for new businesses. The **Achieve** programme works within schools and colleges to improve engagement and attainment. Major initiatives include the **XL Programme** for alternative curriculum and the **Development Awards** providing small grants. High-profile fundraising events like Party at the Palace and the Palace's Royal Variety Performance support these activities.

Impact and recognition

The charity reports that over a million young people have been supported since its founding, with a high proportion moving into work, education, or training. Its work has been recognised through numerous awards, including the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. High-profile ambassadors and supporters, such as Ant & Dec, Idris Elba, and Baroness Dido Harding, have amplified its message. The impact is frequently highlighted in reports by organisations like the Department for Work and Pensions and studies from the University of Warwick. Landmark anniversaries, such as the 40th celebrated at Buckingham Palace, underscore its sustained national profile.

Organisation and funding

The organisation is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees, with its headquarters in London. It operates through a network of centres and delivery partners across the United Kingdom, including in cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, and Belfast. Funding is derived from a mix of corporate partnerships with companies like HSBC and TK Maxx, charitable donations, fundraising events, and some government contracts. The separate **The Prince's Trust International** and **The Prince's Trust Canada** extend its model globally, while the **The Prince's Trust Group** oversees the collective strategy.