Visit to Teens and Toddlers project

Since it was founded in 2001, Teens and Toddlers has helped over 9,500 young people and vulnerable children in over 34 Local Authorities countrywide. The charity’s flagship programme benefits two sets of vulnerable children simultaneously, raising the aspirations of young people (age 13-16) from disadvantaged areas by pairing them as a mentor and role model to a child in a nursery who is in need of extra support. This gives young people the skills to address underlying issues that can lead to becoming disengaged, and is critical to prevent young people from becoming NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and reducing the likelihood of having children at an early age.

The Duke met the young people taking part in the programme and observe their classroom session and nursery time with the toddlers.

The visit followed a reception hosted by His Royal Highness at Buckingham Palace in July as part of the ‘Backing Youth’ initiative to support young people in their personal growth and career development.

Diana Whitmore, CEO and Founder of Teens and Toddlers, said: “We were delighted to host The Duke of York and to have the opportunity to show him around one of our projects and introduce him to some of our young people. Our programme aims to prevent disengaged young people from becoming NEET, providing them with a more positive future.”

For more information about the Teens and Toddlers programme, please visit the website www.teensandtoddlers.org.uk