Change a Girl's Life with Whistlefish x The Prince's Trust

Whistlefish is raising funds for The Prince’s Trust to help #ChangeAGirlsLife this International Women’s Day which is on the 8th of March. The funds raised by our Change A Girl's Life campaign will go towards supporting young females who face disadvantages and adversity, helping to build the confidence and skills they need to move into work, training and education.

The Prince's Trust was created to help youths age 18-30 years old kick-start their careers. It has given young entrepreneurs the opportunity, confidence and support to start their own businesses. Back in the mid-90's, Whistlefish was one of these businesses. 

What is International Women's Day?

It wasn't so far in our past that women were not allowed to vote and their place was in the home. For decades we have been fighting for equal rights and it's hard to imagine that in 2023 rights, such as equal pay are still an issue as well as some women still finding it difficult to balance work and family. Reports show that 78% of covid redundancies were in fact, females. These findings, in turn, suggest that women are not as valued in the workplace. 

International Women's Day was established to highlight this issue that is still very real in the 21st Century. It also celebrates the inspiring women who have paved the way for others. Each year we are seeing more women become more confident and unapologetically chase their career aspirations.

Image features: Let Your Dreams Grow Framed Art (£40.00)

What is Change A Girl's Life?

More than 50 much-loved brands have committed to help raise funds for The Prince’s Trust #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign this International Women’s Day. The Change A Girl's Life campaign is specifically created to help women reach their full career potential, whether that be help with writing a C.V., applying for a job or starting a new business.

Why is Whistlefish part of the Change A Girl's Life campaign?

Whistlefish is a brand built by a female business owner, Lyn Thompson. The Prince's Trust assisted her with a loan, mentoring and support to help provide more confidence in starting a new business. Lyn can relate first-hand to what it's like to be in an industry that at times might have been intimidating, new and scary. 

Read more about Lyn's journey here >

"I was unemployed with two young children when I started Whistlefish, I think that was one of the hardest challenges I faced. If you are a parent and have to juggle being a mum and trying to start a business, be assured this is still possible.

When I started Whistlefish in the 90's I had a two and a four-year-old, it was tough

but I managed to paint at night while they were sleeping. When I used to sell my art at craft fairs I would take a playpen for them to play in while I worked. I just had to make it work and know that it was all for them and the future. But I know this isn't always an option for some people and there are many other challenges women can face, that is why 'Change A Girl's Life' is such a fabulous campaign." - says Lyn.

Many young women face barriers to fulfilling their potential. That’s why The Prince’s Trust #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign is raising vital funds to help thousands of young women build a better future for themselves through employment, education or by starting their own business.

Photo above, Lyn outside with her paints and her dog, Jack by her side

Some words of encouragement from our founder, Lyn Thompson:

"Do something you're passionate about, I love everything about Whistlefish, I love the essence of it and I believe in it so much. It's not always been smooth sailing, and it never will be in business! When one of my shops was due to open back in the early days, the printers we used went bankrupt the day we opened! I had to figure out a plan and keep moving forward. You'll always have moments of doubt and setbacks. The key is to master your fear and use your fear to be stronger and come back more positive. Every time I have a setback it gives me power and a driving force to go two steps forward."

This is Lyn's favourite and most inspiring quote.

How does Change A Girls Life directly affect someone's life?

#ChangeAGirlsLife isn't just about supporting business owners, it's also there to give young people the confidence to apply for jobs they might otherwise feel intimidated by. The Prince's Trust helped support Tania to become an Assistant Ambulance Practitioner in January 2021.¹ 

After having a traumatic life, facing homelessness and domestic violence, Tania was refuged to a women's shelter with her two children; her youngest son was just four months old. She saw a Prince's Trust post on Instagram inviting people to join their Ambulance Service Programme. 

"It felt like a sign because I’ve always wanted to work for the ambulance service. I thought to myself, I don’t want to sit here doing nothing with my life – I need to start taking opportunities," - said Tania.

Tania enrolled on the programme, and despite feeling anxious about starting work as a single mum, she thrived during her training. "I was close to giving up so many times. Even just on the second day, I thought ‘I can’t do this’. But my Prince’s Trust mentor was always there to support me and tell me that we’ll cross any bridge when it comes to it,"

Read Tania's inspiring story here >

See more Change A Girl's Life success stories >

Photo features Change A Girls Life Large Tote Bag (£13.95) >

How can you help support young women who need help?

Your purchases can #ChangeAGirlsLife this International Women’s Day by supporting The Prince’s Trust because the proceeds from the limited edition Change A Girl's Life Collection will be donated to The Prince's Trust Change a Girl's Life campaign.

Regardless of race, gender or background - together we can achieve great things. 

Whistlefish will donate £1 from every order which contains any product from the Change A Girl's Life collection across February until the end of March 2023 to The Prince's Trust in support of their #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign, helping to transform the lives of young people. The Prince’s Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (1079675) and Scotland (SC041198). To find out more visit www.princes-trust.org.uk

¹ https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/london-ambulance-worker-31-living-23500991