Editorial: Times are changing at Young People Now

Michael has entertained and intrigued us for nigh on 200 columns. His tales of grass-roots youth work were a constant breath of fresh air and he will be much missed by regular readers. I'm sure you join me in wishing him well as he takes on a wider role at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Michael is a hard act to follow, so we are introducing three columnists in his stead to reflect different areas of practice. Shaun Bailey is a detached youth worker from north Kensington, west London, and author of a thought-provoking pamphlet No Man's Land, published by the Centre for Young Policy Studies last year. Next up is Shareefa Fulat, director of the Muslim Youth Helpline - you can find out more about her in this week's Big Interview (see p11). Then we have Vanessa Rogers, a youth officer in Hertfordshire who has written many books on youth work practice and worked extensively as a trainer and consultant.