Disadvantaged need support, says Trust

The government, industry and the voluntary sector should do more to
help disadvantaged young people, urged the Prince’s Trust this week
.

“Only by listening to the evolving needs of young people and
remaining constantly relevant can we prevent more young people from
slipping through the net,” said Leslie Morphy, the Trust’s director
of programmes and policy.

A Trust report calls for more work placements and apprenticeships,
particularly for ex-offenders. Also the benefits system should
ensure young people receive more money in employment, education or
training than on benefits.

The report finds that half of 18- to 21-year-olds believe they are
held back by a lack of qualifications and that two-thirds of
unemployed young people claim there is a lack of suitable career
advice.

It also finds that 92 per cent of the young people believe there
are gaps in their community’s services and 45 per cent are confused
about where to go for help. The vast majority support the idea of a
single organisation to help with all of their problems.

The Trust consulted 1,000 disadvantaged 14- to 25-year-olds.

– Reaching the Hardest to Reach from www.princes-trust.org.uk