POLICY & PRACTICE: Soapbox - London mayor's youth strategy showssigns of promise

On the face of it, the mayor's proposals sound very promising. However, I have been to other consultation events where similar pledges were made, but never really kept.

What concerned me most was although many good action points were proposed, few dates or deadlines were set. But I do think if this strategy is supported and well funded, it could be successful.

The strategy includes plans to create a Young Londoners' Forum, where young people representing groups that already exist are consulted about their ideas and views.

The Shoreditch Youth Forum that I attend gives young people living in this part of east London a platform to get their views heard. There are many ways teenagers can become involved in the group. We have a mailing list to keep young people up to date on developments, and a youth forum where members can talk about the problems they face and the actions they can take to bring about change. The youth forum also has a steering group composed of young people, which meets regularly and organises events.