Jim Dobbin is 'Positive about Youth'

Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP has joined forces with UK Youth, a national youth work charity, to call on the country to be Positive about Youth.

The charity is celebrating 100 years of working with young people and is using the opportunity this presents to celebrate all the positive things that young people do. 

Mr Dobbin has become a 'Centenary Ambassador', along with celebrities, sports personalities, business people and others who have made a commitment to be 'Positive about Youth'.

They celebrated the achievements of young people at a reception on the Terrace of the House of Commons.

Nigel Mansell OBE, the charity’s President and former Formula 1 World Champion, said: “I support Positive about Youth because if we celebrate youth, their achievements and their contribution to our communities we will all be the richer. Please join us and let’s make a real difference to the way we value young people”

Some of those who have signed up to the campaign already include Pixie Lott (Singer), Suzi Perry (TV presenter), Guy Ritchie (Film maker), Peter Powell (former DJ and Celebrity Manager), Natascha Engel MP (Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Youth Affairs), Chloe Smith MP (youngest Member of Parliament), David Blunkett MP (former Minister), Simon Hughes MP (a former youth worker), Claire Buckfield (actor), Katherine Grainger (Olympic athlete) and Karen Doherty (author).

John Bateman, Chief Executive of UK Youth, said: “We are using our centenary to change the country’s perceptions of young people.

“Over 70% of media coverage about young people is negative yet the vast majority of young people are achieving great things and playing an increased role in communities all over the country.

"We want to highlight these activities, raise the aspirations, realise the potential and recognise the achievements of all young people thereby improving their life chances."

Jim Dobbin said: “I have seen at first-hand the dedication and hard work put in by our local YMP, Jack Lofthouse, and his two deputies, Hassan Akhtar and Alex Deniston, and the huge variety of youth groups throughout the constituency. These include, dance, music and sports with the scouts, guides, brownies and cubs, cadets and many, many others who give time and effort to attend or lead groups.

"We have fantastic young people in this area and I am proud to celebrate their achievements and encourage others to join in.”