Prime Minister David Cameron visited Solihull on Monday 20th July to visit members of the Balsall Heath Forum, a community group who aim to build a better community at Ninestiles School in Acocks Green. Mr Cameron was visiting the school to speak about community cohesion and address the issue of combatting extremism in communities. Solihull College students who are currently part of the Prince’s Trust programme were also invited to meet the Prime Minister.
Prince’s Trust allows individuals who are not in education or employment to develop whilst working as a team in the local community. Students improve their leadership and employability skills as well as taking responsibility. Solihull College has been working closely with West Midlands Police in the delivery of the Prince’s Trust programme for young people within the region.
Students from Solihull College were able to meet David Cameron to speak with him about the work that they have been completing in the local community.
With the help of representatives from West Midlands Police, the groups from Solihull College have been fundraising within their local communities for various projects, student Remaine Dixon commented “we have been fundraising by bag packing in Asda and we also had the chance to go on a residential as part of the programme which we all enjoyed. [The programme] keeps everyone off the streets and help to develop your skills. Meeting David Cameron has been a bonus as he told us how well we are doing and how we are doing great things for the community.”
Many of the young people helped by the Prince’s Trust are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or have been in trouble with the law. The Prince’s Trust works in partnership with Solihull College and West Midlands Police to engage young people and give them the opportunity to develop their skills to enabling them to move into work, education or training.
The 12 week programme is available for 16-25 year olds at Solihull College, for more information please visit www.solihull.ac.uk or call 0121 678 7000. You can also contact PC Stuart Toogood or PCSO Kim Hill, pictured on the right of Mr Cameron, at Acocks Green police Station on 101, extension 8446246 who run the scheme.
