Youth programme founder an inspiration to all

It takes a very special kind of person to launch a new youth programme when across the UK we are seeing our sector so mercilessly squeezed. John Loughton is that kind of person and I felt immensely privileged to attend the launch of his new enterprise Dare 2 Lead last week.

Generously sponsored by the Isle of Man government, we enjoyed a wonderful meal in exquisite surroundings, but the highlight of the evening had to be hearing from John himself. As a former Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament and winner of Big Brother in 2008, John has already proved his own leadership skills, but more than that, his ability to overcome the odds and break free from his past makes him the perfect role model for other young people.

As a bit of a Radio 4 addict it was great to have Nicolas Parsons as MC for the evening, and to hear the story of why he was there. Struggling with cases at Kings Cross he was approached by a larger than life Scottish guy, who carried his cases to a taxi and then asked if he could take his address – another example of John’s inimitable style, not only thoughtful and caring, but never one to knowingly miss an opportunity!

Dare 2 Lead offers leadership training and motivational speakers to help develop the skills of emerging leaders, as they say themselves “Our work instils the motivation, creativity and compassion needed to unlock the potential of the leader within.”

John himself says “We have build expertise supporting youth groups to develop leadership skills as well as providing youth practitioners and sector leaders with corporate comms and leadership skills. We see leadership not as a job title or power base, but as a set of skills and attitudes we all lead our daily lives and jobs by.

One of the things that stands out for me about Dare 2 Lead and John’s approach, is that it is an organisation that is not interested in reinventing the wheel, preferring to draw on the expertise of others but rather like a master chef, combining the ingredients in a new and innovative way that is both exciting and dynamic.

There are not many of us who could quote world leaders such as Julia Gillard – Australian Prime Minister – “the work that John...is doing daily at a local and national level is inspiring and making a real difference to the world we live in” or Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa “John has an inspirational story with an inspirational vision for the future."

I have no doubt that Dare 2 Lead is all set not only to make an enormous contribution to our country, but globally. To find out more do visit their website www.dare2lead.co.uk.

Linda Jack is a member of the Federal Policy Committee and the Parliamentary Policy Committee for Education, Young People and Families