One of my key priorities as an MP is to look out for the concerns of young people who are too often lumped together as a disruptive influence by sections of the media. Their energy and enthusiasm as well as the ability to look at old issues through new eyes are vital to renewing society and expanding its prosperity.
That is why it is so sad, once again, to see youth unemployment hit the million mark. Being jobless at any age is bad for the soul but to start your working life on the dole is worse of all.
Fortunately, there are resources available to help young people to help themselves. One of these is a charity called Get Connected which helps young people going through difficult times find help and support.
It runs a free and confidential phone line, webchat and text service for anyone up to the age of 25 years. They can contact it about any issue that is troubling them and we will give them support and information.
The free phone line is open from 1pm to 11pm every day on 0808 808 4994 or at www.getconnected.org.uk where young people can email or talk to a volunteer on its webchat service.
It has recently opened a new text service where young people can text free on 80849 to ask for help.
It has already helped nearly 100,000 young people in the last year and is always looking to reach even more.
The charity tells me that the most common issues that young people want to talk about are homelessness, physical/mental health concerns and relationship difficulties.
As unemployment rises, the UK could soon see record levels of young people living on the streets.
Get Connected cannot solve the jobs or housing crisis but they help individuals at their wits end.
Such initiatives are invaluable even if my main goal is stopping the coalition government's ideological drive which is shamefully neglecting its duty to our young people while protecting fat cats and bankers.
It doesn't have to be like this. Labour's alternative includes using funds raised from a tax on bank bonuses to guarantee a job for 100,000 young people and building 25,000 affordable homes plus a one-year national insurance tax break for every small firm which takes on extra workers.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |