Young Adult Trust: Tory idea put to the test

The idea for the trust emerged in 2005 when Cameron challenged the youth work sector to respond to young people's sense of alienation. And in a speech two weeks ago, the Tory leader hinted that if he becomes Prime Minister, he will use the model to kick-start a "national community programme for all 16-year-olds that stresses their responsibilities as adult citizens".

So, what is the scheme like in practice? Walking into the gymnasium of the Arethusa Venture Centre, it was unclear at first if all the young people were really engaged in the programme. Two large groups arranged in circles listened quietly to a discussion about society's perception of young people. But when the role-plays started the hall came alive. Young people who were clearly nervous nevertheless volunteered to act out scenes in front of their peers about negative and positive behaviour for young people. Notions of respect and disrespect, body language and social interaction were under the microscope. And the whoops of laughter and applause from their peers were testimony to the audience's appreciation.