Political discussion space for under 30s

21 December 2009

Ashram Housing Association has launched a social networking site, called Social Breakfast, to engage people aged between 14 and 30.

Its aim is to create a safe space, online and offline, where younger people can engage in open dialogue, on their terms, with politicians, policy makers, frontline staff and others about the issues of importance to them.

It includes blogs, discussions, news and events.

The site has been endorsed by Gordon Brown, who said the project is “an excellent way to bring generations together…All too often politicians end up speaking about what young people want instead of asking them directly.”

Jeremy Hunt, Conservative MP and Shadow Culture Secretary, has also welcomed the site, saying “we need a site that is dedicated to prioritising the voices of those marginalised from political debate.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg said “It’s not always easy for politicians to really engage with young people. However, the most important way we can show young people that we value their opinion is not just to listen but to discuss with them the issues which they raise.”

Any young person from anywhere in the country is invited to get involved at www.socialbreakfast.org.

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