Menai Holiday Cottages

2012 Supporters of the Prince's Trust.

It has been impossible to ignore the impact the recession has had on our young people, with unemployment numbers soaring.

Here at Menai Holiday Cottages we want to make a difference and so we are proud to be a 2012 supporter of The Prince’s Trust in Wales. Throughout the year, we will donate £2 from every single booking fee. 

Over the last year in Gwynedd and Anglesey,The Prince’s Trust has helped many disadvantaged young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to get a job, or to go back into education, or to find training.The Trust also helps to support young people to set up in business, such as:

- Llew Glas (Blue Lion) delicatessen & cafe in Harlech, owned by Freya Bentham
- ‘Bella Donna Beauty’ set up by Danielle Fitton, a beauty/nails business based in Cemaes Bay
- Claire Young started a mobile disco and karaoke company, ‘Paulie Oke’ based in Holyhead
-  A window cleaning business, ‘Squeegee Men’ based in Benllech started by Shane Price

The Prince of Wales's charity has helped more than 650,000 young people since 1976 and supports 100 more each day.  Last year, more than three in four young people supported by the Trust moved into work, education or training.  This year alone, the Trust anticipates helping 50,000 young people.

CASE STUDY: New Beauty Salon in Wrexham

A new beauty salon opened in Wrexham this Spring with help from The Prince's Trust Cymru.

Beautician Zena Jones, 22, from Rhosllanerchrugog, struggled to find regular work in the area. Unemployed, she approached The Trust's Enterprise Programme which provides support and funding to help young people explore self-employment.

After taking part in a four day ‘Explore Enterprise' course last year, learning about all aspects of starting and running a business, Zena received a low interest loan from the charity and found premises in Central Arcade, Wrexham for her new business, Zena's Beauty Boutique.

Zena said: "I love being a beautician but finding a job was really hard. I thought I could run my own business and really wanted to give it a go, but I didn't know where to start. The support from The Prince's Trust has been great. I knew nothing about the business side of things and the advice I have had about things like business planning and book-keeping has been invaluable, as has the financial support.

As part of the support package, young people on The Trust's Enterprise programme receive ongoing support from a mentor - a volunteer from the business community. Celia Jenkins, a marketing consultant from Llangollen is Zena's mentor and although fledgling, their relationship is already strong.

Celia said: "Young people have a really tough time, especially at the moment. If I can use my experience and expertise to help young people like Zena succeed, then I will. I think Zena's enthusiasm and commitment are exemplary and I look forward to supporting her in this exciting venture."

Zena offers a range of services to customers at the salon, including massage, manicures, spray tans and make up, as well as packages for special occasions such as weddings.