Now is the time to shape our youth services

Aiming High was the first major announcement of the new Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He hadn't simply inherited the strategy, he had taken a lead role in developing that policy in his time as Chancellor. Two years on, what can be said of the youth strategy?

At its heart, Aiming High promised to provide "places to go, things to do" and an agenda for workforce reform to make services at the frontline more integrated and responsive to young people's needs. The Myplace scheme was launched, with the promise of providing improved youth facilities for young people. Perhaps the most striking feature has been the emergence of young people's voice and representation as a powerful force, with young people embracing the opportunity to be involved fully in the quest for high-quality services. However, it is the delivery of integrated services that has provided the greatest challenge.