The National Youth Agency: Empowerment - Projects rising to the challenge of dispelling negative images

Writing in the introduction, editor Merlynne Francique says: "Over the past few months we have seen a glut of published reports focused on young people's fears, concerns, crime and lack of positive engagement. However, not all is gloom and doom. Many of you are optimistic, engaged and making a difference in your communities and rising to the challenge of dispelling negative images of young people generally."

Featuring in this issue are Ground up, a new organisation working with some of London's hardest to reach young people. Ground up is a small youth-led organisation based in south London in the heart of Brixton, which seeks to encourage, inspire and equip young people who are facing social exclusion. The feature takes a look at the Hidden Histories project which is designed to address the needs of young black males in particular who seem to be facing an identity crisis.