The VIPs included Captain Peter Baker, Deputy Lieutenant for Haringey; Superintendent Amanda Dellar from Haringey Police; Dermot Finch, Director of Prince's Trust - London and the South East of England; Chief Inspector Chris Conrad, Uniformed services National liaison officer for the Prince's Trust and Deputy Mayor for Haringey Councillor Ali Gul Ozbek.
Each of the students has completed the Prince’s Trust 12-week development course, which builds confidence, motivation and provides guidance to prepare for the future. Student, Dionis Rexphi described how the focus of their first week was getting to know each other through a series of fun problem-solving exercises. Jade Phelps went on to talk about their residential week in Essex which challenged the team, took them out of their comfort zones and taught them how to work as a team. All students on the course undertook a two-week work experience placement of their choice, which included marketing, catering, customer service, outdoor instructor and sports coaching.
As part of the programme, the students completed a community project to raise awareness about domestic violence. They made posters, carried out fundraising activities, designed T-shirts and used social media such as Twitter to get their message across. They were delighted to have their messages re-tweeted by high profile celebrities, including Oritsè Williams (formerly of JLS fame) and TV presenter, Phillip Schofield.
19 year old student, Jake Elgar said: “Before the Prince’s Trust programme I’d started a lot of things from plumbing to hairdressing but never finished. This is something that I was determined to see through to the end and I’m now sad that it’s finishing. It’s helped me really focus and after my work experience I now know that I want to go into marketing. The community project was also really satisfying as we were able to do something positive.”
Jade Phelps said: “After leaving my job as a chef my mum suggested trying the Prince’s Trust course at CONEL. I came to an open day and decided to take a chance to go for it. It was the best decision I ever made. I’m much more confident and less scared of life. I’m now even planning on going to university.”
Detective Constable Joanne Watts from Haringey Police has been seconded to the role of Team Leader for the Princes Trust at CONEL. Joanne said: “It’s been a pleasure and an honour to work with this incredible team. They have been on a significant journey. I’m immensely proud.”
The Prince’s Trust programme is free and run for young people aged between 16-24 years old who are not in education, employment or training. It is run in partnership with CONEL College and Tottenham Police Station.
Dermont Finch, Director of London and South of England Prince’s Trust, said: “This programme helps to break down barriers. We have come together with our local college and our local police force – that’s a fantastic partnership to have.”
If you would like to find out more about the Prince’s Trust programme please click here.
