Young people get a taste of government

Young people in the North West of England are being challenged to solve government policy problems in an initiative run by the Institute for Citizenship.

The Young Citizens' Action Agenda North West will encourage up to 15,000 teenagers to take part, and will include an event for up to 2,000 young people next month, up to 100 school workshops, and a survey of up to 10,000 young people to help inform the Northwest Regional Development Agency's Regional Strategy 2010.

There will also be a variety of resources available to teachers as well as the creation of a young citizens panel that will put together an action plan to be delivered to the newly-elected Prime Minister next year.

The project was launched by Anne Weinstock, head of the Government's Youth Task Force, and TV presenter Ranvir Singh. It is supported by several organisations including The Co-operative Group, The Northwest Regional Development Agency and Government Office for the North West.

David Dimbleby, president of the Institute for Citizenship, said: "The importance of involving young people - all people - in political decision making is greater than ever. Globally and locally we face new and complex challenges, it is important that everyone takes part in the debate."