PLINGS

Looking Local - the portal which publishes local government services via interactive digital TV and mobiles - is part of a consortium led by social research and development company, Substance, publicising positive activities for young people through new media such as mobile telephones, interactive digital TV and social networking sites.

As part of the government's drive to connect more young people across the country with activities which engage and motivate them, the DCSF has awarded an "Information and Signposting" contract to the consortium, whose brief is to use new media to link young people with leisure opportunities. Other partners in the consortium include Channel 4, National Council for Voluntary Youth Services, WCL and YouthNet.

Over the first twelve months, Substance, Looking Local and other members of the consortium will trial innovative ways of collecting, collating and disseminating information about activities for young people in 20 local authorities across the country. They will be supported by delivery partners Young Advisors, Nemisys, RadioWaves, Stardotstar and four23.

Looking Local's Operations Director Guy Giles said, "Young people will be at the centre of the project as they access, create and share activity information. Our role will be to tailor and make our technology available to enable young people to use their mobiles and interactive digital TV to find out about activities that interest them and share what they learn about clubs and events with their friends."

Beverley Hughes, Minister for Young People, Children and Families said: "Many young people would get involved in positive activities in their area if they knew what was on offer. These pilots will help Local Authorities to promote what is going in their area in a way that reaches and appeals to more young people. Through this they will get to find out about a range of activities and events including art and drama classes, sports clubs and events, and other positive things to do and places to go that will engage young people and provide them with an outlet to demonstrate their talents."

Professor Tim Crabbe, Chair of Substance said, "Much has been made of the lack of opportunities for young people to get involved in positive activities. In truth there is more out there than many people realise. The real challenge then is to find better ways to connect people with their interests, talents and aspirations. This project represents an exciting opportunity to square the circle."

For the latest news on this project please go to www.plings.net

The first year of the project will be delivered in the following 20 pilot Local Authorities: