Changing the lives of 2000 young people in the UK

Brighton-based Charlie’s difficult childhood led to homelessness before she found sheltered accommodation. She joined the Team programme and has since enrolled on an Open University course.

At 15, Brighton-based Charlie’s difficult childhood had led to homelessness and an erratic lifestyle sofa-surfing with friends, before she found sheltered accommodation at her local YMCA. Charlie struggled at school, leaving with only one GCSE. Turning to drug misuse she later suffered crippling mental health issues.

She then joined The Prince’s Trust Team programme, delivered by City College Brighton, which helps disadvantaged young people gain the skills and confidence they need to turn their lives around.

An initial setback prompted voluntary relocation to another Team programme and meant integration became even harder for this shy young woman. But so successful was her time on the course that Charlie became one of the strongest Team members and was often asked for guidance by her peers.

With aspirations to work in teaching it was with increased confidence gained with support from The Trust that she found work-placement at a local college for disabled children. Charlie says: “Meeting people more disadvantaged than myself made me realise I didn’t want to ruin my life.”

Thanks to this support, she secured an apprenticeship with her local Job Centre where she is often required to deliver presentations about The Prince’s Trust.

“I enjoyed the public training workshop and feel more confident about talking in front of people now,” she said of the Team programme.

Charlie is well on the road to developing a successful career and due to start an Open University course to enhance her progression.

Links:

• Charlie Burley