Campaigns scheme for young people

The project aims to "turn young people's voices into action"

Young people have been invited to join a project that will give them guidance on how to get involved in campaigning about issues that matter to them.

Oxfam and the Scottish Youth Parliament have launched the Roars Not Whispers scheme for 16 to 25-year-olds from every Scottish council area.

The Youth Parliament said the project would give young people the networks, skills and information to take action.

Participants will take part in three interactive weekends in 2007.

Hilary Lynn, vice chair of the parliament, said: "You don't need any special skills except enthusiasm and a willingness to commit time regularly over the next year.

"We will give you the skills, help and support to start working with other young people in your area.

"We will give you the support for the rest of 2007 to take action on whatever you want."

The application process is now open for young people living in Falkirk, Dundee, North Ayrshire, East Lothian, Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, Angus and Clackmannanshire.

The closing date for applicants in the first eight local authority areas is 10 January.