Villa legend helps PPDG to inspire Birmingham youngsters

A PARTNERSHIP between The Prince’s Trust and local employment and training firm Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) – with a little help from Aston Villa legend Ian Taylor – has helped four young unemployed youngsters achieve their career goals.

The Erdington-based four, all participants on the Government’s Work Programme, engaged with the Trust’s Get Started with Football initiative with support from PPDG.

Liaising between the two organisations was Get Started programme manager Neil Parker, who has helped develop the on-going relationship over a number of years.

The week long course at Villa Park is one of more than 80 Get Started programmes delivered each year in partnership with the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

PPDG teamed up with The Prince’s Trust to enable its four clients Daniel Brown, Shane Parry, Katharine Corbett and Jamie Payne to take advantage of the programme.

Former Villa midfielder Ian Taylor conducted a Q&A with the young jobseekers after presenting certificates on the final day.

 “Football is an inspiring game, which is why I think schemes like those run by The Prince’s Trust are invaluable,” he said.

“They can give young people focus at a time when many are struggling with their confidence and I wish these latest graduates all the very best of luck in their future careers.”

Nationwide Caterers Association helps children living on the street

 
BIRMINGHAM-based Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) is lending its support to the Meal a Day charity’s Sierra Leone Street Kids project.

Alongside donating a pound annually for every member joining or renewing the business, NCASS is organising and shipping vital equipment to Sierra Leone, West Africa this month. The business originally became involved in the Charity after NCASS director Bob Fox became linkman for the country ten years ago.
 
A lorry was filled at NCASS HQ in Birmingham and dispatched to Sierra Leone. It contained 60 cases of children’s clothing, reading schemes donated by local schools, 120 chairs, some computer equipment and a climbing frame, along with medical supplies to help prevent Malaria.

These supplies will help the two schools in Sierra Leone, as well as helping clothe the children currently living on the streets.
 
NCASS director Bob Fox said:  “The intention is to concentrate on the younger children, that haven’t yet become too indoctrinated into the way of street life. It is a fact that the longer they are on the streets, the less likely they are able to adapt to normal family life.”
 

Briggs Equipment donates £100,000 to charity
 
 

MATERIALS handling services specialist Briggs Equipment is joining forces with youth charity The Prince’s Trust to give disadvantaged young people the practical and financial support they need to move into work, education or training, and has pledged £100,000 to support their vital work.

Between now and 2018, the Cannock firm will donate £25,000 each year to The Trust, an investment that will see the company become a patron of the charity.

Richard Close, Briggs Equipment’s chief executive officer, said: “We are passionate about making a difference to young people and local communities whilst helping to develop the skills needed in today’s marketplace.

“Given our commitment to integrity, empowerment and personal accountability, our values are well-aligned with those of The Prince’s Trust and we are delighted that our donation impacts positively on the lives of those young people who need it most.”