Some of the UK’s biggest names from business, sport, and entertainment have shared their best advice for 14-year-olds after research reveals it is the age when young people are most influenced by ideas that establish future adult behaviours.
The initiative, designed to inspire young people to ‘Start Something’, was created by The Prince’s Trust and Amazon to celebrate the platinum partner’s £1m Strengthening Diversity Fund – which will help break down barriers to support and empower the workforce of the future in the UK with the skills needed to succeed over the next four years.
Advice from role models like Steven Bartlett, Sara Davies MBE and Jorja Smith
The advice, from entrepreneurs Steven Bartlett and Sara Davies MBE, Grammy-nominated music artist Jorja Smith, Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford MBE, TV presenter June Sarpong OBE, actor Will Poulter, and music producer Naughty Boy will be turned into posters that will be displayed in schools across the country. It has also been painted throughout the grounds of Dean Trust Rose Bridge secondary school in Wigan, Lancashire, a partner school of The Prince’s Trust, including on the school steps, basketball backboards, and on the bike sheds.
A range of mind-positive merchandise including t-shirts and hoodies designed by The Prince’s Trust Young Ambassadors has also been made available to buy on Amazon.co.uk in support of the charity.
Why role models matter to the next generation
According to the research by Amazon and child psychologist Laverne Antrobus, eight out of ten teachers (81 per cent) believe 11-18-year-olds who experience motivational advice from role models are more likely to adopt a positive mindset and be open to imaginative and innovative ideas. Three quarters (75 per cent) said role models are more likely to inspire young people to seek more diverse opportunities, while 78 per cent said they help influence young people’s career goals.
“We are proud to be a platinum patron of The Prince’s Trust, and a founding partner of its Strengthening Diversity Fund – which supports underserved young people across the UK to build better futures for themselves," said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon.
"By displaying advice from inspirational people in schools around the country, we hope to light up imaginations, and help inspire young people to reach their full potential."
Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, said: “It is an honour to work with Amazon, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to The Prince’s Trust. Being able to inspire and motivate young people is a core part of our mission. The Trust’s programmes build confidence and skills among young people who face disadvantage and adversity, supporting them on their pathway to work. By partnering with those who share this goal we can continue our vital work, ultimately helping more young people to reach their potential and live stable and fulfilled lives.”
The list of advice for 14-year-olds is:
- Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur and podcaster: “Life’s too short to be anything other than yourself”
- Jorja Smith, Grammy-nominated music artist: “Embrace your flaws, for they make you unique”
- Greg Rutherford MBE, Olympic gold medallist: “Take a leap of faith”
- June Sarpong OBE, TV presenter: “It’s for the taking”
- Naughty Boy, music producer: “Value your imagination”
- Sara Davies MBE, entrepreneur: “There is no right path”
- Will Poulter, actor: “Trying your hardest is always enough”
Read more about Amazon’s partnership with The Prince’s Trust.
