Luton charity TOKKO and the The Prince’s Trust have teamed up to help more than 100 local youngsters who are facing homelessness or mental health problems.
The Fairbridge personal development programme for 13 - 25-year-olds aims to help those who are in or leaving care, struggling at school or who’ve been in trouble with the police.
It provides group activities and tailored one-to-one support,
The schedule features a five-day Access course which includes a residential trip and adventure activities to improve confidence, motivation and team-building skills.
After the initial Access week, each young person takes part in a selection of workshops on perosnal and social skills alongside one-to-one support sessions to help them move on with their lives.
TOKKO business manager Hazel Mellon said: “The programme has been instrumental in supporting disadvantaged young people who are educational under-achievers and not in employment, education or training (NEETs).”
She added: “It has made a real difference to their lives.”
Trust director John O’Reilly said: “The scheme challenges young people to try something new and supports them to overcome personal barriers. The skills they learn can be the sprinboard they need.”
> For more details visit www.princes-trust.org.uk