National Express

The Prince's Trust and National Express

See how young people benefit from our partnership with The Prince's Trust

Support for young people

The Prince’s Trust creates transformational, life-changing opportunities for some of the UK’s most vulnerable 11–30 year olds, supporting over 57,000 young people every year.

About The Prince's Trust

In 1976, HRH The Prince of Wales became dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable young people in the UK.

The UK was struggling with record levels of unemployment and spiraling inflation; young people were being left behind. He founded His Trust to deliver on that commitment, using his Navy severance pay – £7,400 – to fund a number of community initiatives.

We are proud to have supported more than 870,000 young people across the UK since launching. Many of the young people helped by The Trust are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or have been in trouble with the law.

The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work.

Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.

Our work together

The work of The Trust remains critical, in a time when the country’s economic future is uncertain and over 600,000 young people are still unemployed or out of education.

National Express’ partnership with The Prince’s Trust provides the perfect platform to help young people into work and education, increase value of society and provide transportation that makes it easier for young people to continue on their journey to success.

National Express has donated over £100,000 to support Prince’s Trust programmes across the UK to date. Donated transport has enabled young people to take opportunities and gain experience which were out of reach before and coaches have transported fundraisers to the start line of The Prince’s Trust flagship Palace to Palace cycle.

Furthermore, employees have invested their time volunteering, helping to build confidence and motivation in young people, increasing their employability, as National Express established a Work Experience programme, which has seen young people gain customer service skills, knowledge of the transportation sector and start a career in the sector across the UK.

Impact of our work together

"For the past couple of years I've been stuck in a cycle I didn't feel would stop. I've been looking for every opportunity to move back up North and continue where I left off. But over the past few weeks I've had my eyes opened to the person I once was. Having lost all motivation, enthusiasm and passion, I was given a chance with nothing to lose but a whole load to gain.

I joined The Princes Trust Get Into scheme hosted by London Luton Airport. I did a three-week course towards a qualification and I completed two weeks’ work experience with National Express.

Extending work experience for a further week, applying and having an interview, I have secured work with National Express full time and now I’ve found the real me. Bubbly, enthusiastic, motivated, I am wanting to learn as much as I can.

I have seen people in the company I am looking to for inspiration and want to get to where they are. I have such a fantastic team of colleagues.

I thank The Prince’s Trust, Luton Airport and National Express for all they have done; the encouragement, support and for all you do. Giving people from all backgrounds a chance to shine and investing your time in those that need it.”

Get involved

You can get involved with The Prince's Trust by participating in one of our many exciting events that take place across the year, both at home and abroad.

Whether you're into marathons or music festivals, there's something for everyone. Why not try:

  • Tough Mudder
  • Royal Parks Half Deloitte
  • Ride across Britain
  • The Race

These are just a few examples of what's on offer, so please visit The Prince's Trust's events page to see how you can be involved.

Support our work through volunteering

With the commitment of our volunteers, we are able to offer a support network to young people facing significant barriers to employment, education or training.

We’ve always been reliant on dedicated volunteers like you to help us in our mission of turning the lives of young people around. Whether you’re helping in our offices and centres or working one-to-one with young people, your support can have a powerful impact and long lasting effects.

To explore the roles available in your region, please see The Prince's Trust's volunteer tools and tips and get started today!

Or why not become an e-mentor on Prince’s Trust Online? Visit the dedicated e-mentor page for more information.

Find out more

You can find further information about The Prince's Trust, their goals and much more on their website.

Visit the website 

Back to top