Youth charity want more positive message about young people

Tags: charity | young people

Youth work charity UK Youth has kicked off celebrations for its centenary year by urging people to spread positive messages about young people.

The event, held at St James' Palace, saw celebrities and business leaders join patron Princess Anne in launching the Positive About Youth message.

It has been backed by several high profile names including film director Guy Ritchie, MP Natascha Engel, chair of the All party Parliamentary Group for Youth Affairs, and champion Olympic rower Katherine Grainger.

Former Formula One world champion and president of UK Youth, Nigel Mansell has also leant his support. He said: "I support Positive About Youth because if we celebrate youth, their achievements and their contribution to our communities we will all be the richer. Please join us and let's make a real difference to the way we value young people."

During its centenary year, the charity will be taking the message to several major arts and sports events including the Hay Festival, the London marathon and Wimbledon.

In addition, Mansell will be cycling around the UK on a 1,200 mile journey to draw attention to the campaign and raise money for the charity. 

John Bateman, UK Youth chief executive, said: "We will use our centenary to change the country's perceptions of young people.  More than 70 per cent of media coverage about young people is negative yet the vast majority of young people are achieving great things and playing an increased role in communities all over the country. 

"We want to highlight these activities, raise the aspirations, realise the potential and recognise the achievements of all young people thereby improving their life chances."

You can visit the UK Youth website here.