The largest Prince’s Trust Team in the South East Midlands has once again created exciting life opportunities for young people in Bedfordshire.
Run by The Bedford College Group, the Prince’s Trust Team 3 saw 19 young people complete the 12 week course and gain a qualification. Many of them are going on to further education or employment as a direct result of being involved in the Team.
Team Leader Mark Williams interviewed all the contenders, some of whom are young people living at the YMCA Bedfordshire. Others, by their own admission in a series of personal presentations, were lying in bed, not leaving their house, not working and in some cases suffering mental health issues before deciding to join the Team.
Vice Principal of The Bedford College Group Mike Johnston who joined the finale at Trinity Theatre in Bedford, said:
The transformation in these young people – standing up in front an audience of 100, telling their stories and explaining what they did during the 12 weeks, is incredible.
As part of the 12 weeks Team programme the group of 19 took part in a week at a residential centre abseiling, zip-wiring and caving. They spent three weeks fund-raising and carrying out a community project supporting the Bedford Opportunities for Learning Disabilities (BO4LD) and gardening at the YMCA Foyer. They also undertook a variety of work experience placements and visited Barclaycard in Northants for advice on CV writing and interviewing techniques. As a culmination they took part in a talent show called Living It Up.
Mark Williams told the group at the presentation: “This is just the start, go onwards, seize life.”
Bedford Team 4 starts on Tuesday 7 May at the Bedford Learning Centre, 88 High Street. Apply to Mark Williams mwilliams@bedford.ac.uk or ring 07720 948110.
www.bedford.ac.uk/princestrust
Edited highlights of the course can be viewed here:
