Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has once again renewed their partnership with The Prince’s Trust to help develop young people aged 16 to 30 living in the Borough who are not in full time education, employment or training, through The Trust’s Development Awards Programme.
The Council has recently contributed £10,000 towards the programme being delivered by The Prince’s Trust in the Council area, with Development Awards being offered to 40 local young people who meet the eligibility criteria. They can receive up to £500 to cover costs such as course fees, transport or equipment.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth speaking of the Awards said,
“I am delighted the Council has decided to back The Prince’s Trust Development Awards once again. The support the awards provide to young people helps them overcome a financial barrier that so many face. It is great to see how this assistance has helped young people in our Borough return to education, access training or gain employment, and I look forward to more young people receiving this much needed financial assistance.”
Ruth Cooper, Senior Head of Partnerships at The Prince’s Trust commented,
“We are so pleased that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is supporting our Development Awards again. This generous funding will allow us to support young people in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area who need some financial assistance to start training or access workwear or equipment to start a job. At The Prince’s Trust we believe that with the right opportunities young people can discover their talent and reach their full potential.”
The support will help re-engage young people into education, training or employment by removing the financial barriers that prevent young people accessing career enhancing opportunities. For more information on accessing a Development Award, contact The Prince’s Trust on 0800 842 842.
Case study of two young people who received a Development Award for year 2018/19.
Rebecca*, 18, Antrim
Rebecca lives independently from her family due to a breakdown in relationships. She has learning difficulties, mental health issues and has had previous issues with drugs and alcohol.
She applied for a Development Award to help her purchase a kit and uniform for a Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma with Northern Regional College. She has a passion for beauty and feels that this is something she could make a career of. However, with no means to pay for these necessary items, and no financial support from her family, Rebecca would have been unable to take part in the course.
Her application was successful and she was awarded the full amount, enabling her to enrol on the Level 3 Beauty course, which should give her the skills and qualifications to pursue her career goals and get her life back on track.
Christopher*, 16, Newtownabbey
Christopher always had a keen interest in sport, being involved with Monkstown Boxing Club, and wanted to pursue a career as a football coach and personal trainer. However, he was hampered by his lack of qualifications which impacted his confidence and self-esteem.
With the assistance of Monkstown Boxing Club, he was accepted onto an Extended Diploma in Sport (Football) at Belfast Metropolitan College in September 2018. However, coming from a workless household, Christopher needed support to pay the course fee.
With a Development Award, The Prince’s Trust paid £175 towards the fee and Christopher was able to start the Diploma. He is currently well on his way to achieving his career goals.
*names have been changed to ensure anonymity
