Young people write to David Cameron

With the support of IARS and the Prince's Trust, young people have written to David Cameron to offer their support and feedback to the government's plan for the Big Society.  

The letter highlights the important role that the youth-led sector could play in the delivery of the National Citizens Service (NCS) and to the establishment of the Big Society more broadly. The Prince's Trust are keen to deliver part of the NCS.

Attention is drawn to the unique characteristics of the youth-led sector, including organisations such as IARS, to promote social cohesion, social responsibility, and through youth-led policy development, improve public services. The youth-led sector offers a valuable framework for including young people in local service delivery and for instilling young people with a sense of belonging and responsibility within their own communities; principles central to the government’s notion of the Big Society.

Dr. Theo Gavrielides, Director of IARS said: “This letter was submitted on the day of the emergency budget. Our young people sent a clear message; youth-led, evidence-based policy is not a myth and it is through this type of policy that the Big Society can genuinely materialise for young people, especially for those who are marginalised and excluded by mainstream services. As a youth-led think tank, IARS is pleased to be supporting this letter which we hope will start a debate on what really matters for young people".

IARS young people have invited the Prime Minister to meet and discuss their letter in greater detail and look forward to receiving a response.  For more information contact T.Gavrielides@iars.org.uk or R.Cass@iars.org.uk