New Philanthropy Capital's latest report, Trial and error, explores the issue of youth offending and highlights some of the innovative and promising ways that charities are helping young people to stay out of trouble. The report, aimed at charities and funders, examines strengths and weaknesses within the youth justice sector, outlines the role government plays, and highlights areas where investment could create greatest impact.

If you would like to support Gary Fleming on his 1000 mile cycle ride to Africa to raise funds for Lancashire based Resolve International you may donate online.

Grants of up to £6,000 are available to community and voluntary groups to develop projects which enable people to access training and gain skills to help them to get a job.

Following a series of meetings with District leads for Leisure and Sport, representatives from the voluntary sector and Council staff; the ECM Positive Contribution Theme Board gave the go ahead for the development of an inclusive Lancashire Youth Strategy, at its meeting in January.

Can you offer a full-time volunteering opportunity to a young person? With an increase in youth unemployment, more young people are looking for fulfilling ways to ensure they continue to develop their skills and knowledge whilst looking for employment.  Young people can bring enthusiasm, skills, and a fresh approach to your organisation, so why not take advantage and offer a full-time opportunity to a young person?

Prime Minister voices support for lowering voting age to 16. The Prime Minister has confirmed his support for lowering the voting age to 16 but said such a move must go hand-in-hand with improvements in citizenship education. Speaking to MPs on the House of Commons Liaison Committee, Gordon Brown said that if schools were teaching citizenship to a high standard and 16-year-olds could "assume their British citizenship in a formal way" this would pave the way to lowering the voting age to 16.

The Third Sector National Learning Alliance is holding two key events for delegates to meet and hear from senior staff at the Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA), REACT at the Local Government Agency and the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). Delegates will also have the opportunity to bring to their attention critical issues from the third sector provider perspective. For background on the changes which have led to the review of 14-19 learning, please read The Nuffield Review, posted on Young Lancashire's website - downloads and resources.

Third Sector Briefing Paper: From April 2010, the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) will have funding responsibilities for education and training provision for young people aged 16-19 and for 19-25 year olds assessed for a learning difficulty and/or disability and for young people in custody. (The YPLA will have taken on part of the functions of the Learning and Skills Council, which ceases to exist 31 March 2010).

Lancaster and District YMCA are finalising plans, advertising and space allocation for the forthcoming Children and Young People’s Festival which will take place between 10.00am-4.00pm on Saturday 27th March 2010, at Salt Ayre, Sports Centre, Lancaster.  There will be a massive media presence on the day with live radio being broadcast all day and all of the local media being asked to take part.  A huge number of young people are expected, who will be able to enjoy a full range of activities free of charge.