Youth Tracker, Issue 2, Autumn 2009

Welcome to the second edition of the Youth Tracker - a quarterly newsletter looking at how Britain's young people are faring in the recession, and what we can do to support them. The aim of the newsletter is to focus on what the recession -and the recovery when it comes - mean for the most disadvantaged young people, particularly those not in employment, education or training.

As youth unemployment heads towards the 1 million mark, there is increasing attention on what policies and initiatives can make a difference to young people and the communities they live in. This issue provides a wealth of examples of innovative practice - from the Young Foundation's 'Faking It' project to build confidence, to the Real Ideas Organisation, which is developing practical skills and experience for young people. We also feature Professor Howard Williamson who is refreshingly honest about the strengths and weaknesses of the Connexions service.