Class of Covid: Prince's Trust charity highlights impact among young people

The long tail of the Covid situation is lashing across various communities, in multiple shapes including mental and physical health, and socio-political issues. What do you think of this #ClassofCovid campaign by the Prince's Trust? Taking the form of an inspirational graduation speech, it acknowledges the impact of Covid on young people, celebrates their achievement in coming through it, and encourages them moving forward. The charity was founded in 1976 by the then Prince of Wales and now King Charles to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK. In his first public address as monarch, after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Charles III said: "it will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.” The king is expected to step back from the causes for which he used to be a powerful fund-raiser, partly to keep in line with his royal position and partly to divest himself from any personal involvement in organisations which may be or come under investigation. Charles had carved his niche as an outspoken campaigner especially for youth and the environment. At the time when he set up The Prince's Trust, Britain was in the grip of record unemployment and spiralling inflation. Today, the Trust says: "Living through a pandemic has been devastating for young people – crippling their self-confidence and robbing them of their futures. It has impacted their education, social lives and options for work, with those already facing disadvantage being left even further behind." The campaign calls on the public to find out how they can help alongside the charity. "They have sacrificed so much, now it’s our turn to help them get back on their feet and find meaningful employment at a time when they need it the most."

Keywords: Prince's Trust Class of Covid, #ClassofCovid, young people UK, Covid impact on UK youth, Covid social damage, King Charles charities