South Thames College students put up Christmas decorations in a London veterans hostel on Friday.
Students from South Thames College’s The Prince’s Trust programme put Christmas decorations up in a London veterans hostel on Friday.
Veterans Aid, the leading charity for ex-Servicemen and women in crisis, linked up with The Prince’s Trust to arrange for the ten young people to put up decorations and Christmas trees in the 57-room hostel.
CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy said: “This is a wonderful gesture bringing together two organisations dedicated to giving people a hand up rather than a hand-out.”
The Prince’s Trust programme is a 12-week long course that helps unemployed 16-25 year olds gain the skills and confidence to get into work or training.
The Princes’ Trust team leader, Linsey McLuskie, said: “The students are passionate about this cause and it is heart-warming to see young people, of whom some have had difficult lives, give back to the community.”
One of the students, Poshsan Wan, 23, said: “The Veterans Aid appeals to me as it is such a worthy cause, making veterans feel like they are part of the community.”
17-year-old student George O’Halloran also commented: “It is important to me because the Veterans served for our country, and when they came back they had nothing to return to.
“So this is a nice way to thank them and show our gratitude and hopefully take the memory of that day home with me.”
Around 70% of the unemployed participants find work or enter full-time education each year after completing the programme.
