He made his comments in London last week during a lecture to celebrate the 35th anniversary of youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. Byers said he envisages young people having ownership of the programme, which he sees as completely distinct from and different to Connexions. He said the Government should take a lead and fund the programme.
"There has been lots of talk about the needs of children, but it is important to extend fresh opportunities to young adults," he added. "But it won't work if ministers and politicians try to dictate what form it will take."
He envisaged the service using "facilitators" from the voluntary sector to work with young people. Byers' proposal follows Office of the Deputy Prime Minister junior minister Phil Hope's recent support for a teenage Sure Start system to help the parents of teenagers (YPN, 9-15 February, p5).
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