There are only a few days left to book for the Spring (30th April to 3rd May) Young England and Wales Programme (closing date: Friday 22 March). The date for the Summer England and Wales Programme is 4th to 7th June – book by Friday 26 April. Click here for full details of these popular events, which will both be held in Lancaster House Hotel in Lancaster.

The 2019 Young Local Authority of the Year will take place in early April. Teams from across the UK will gather for this exciting annual competition. Who will take the title won last year by Miranda Black and Sarah Tranter for London Borough of Redbridge (top right)? Click here for the teams.

The Winter Young Scotland Programme was held in November. It marked the Young Programme's 100th event since it began in 2002. Thirty-four delegates gathered together for three intense days of papers, discussion, group work, and powerful 'Testimony' speakers.

On the final evening, Liam Charles from North Lanarkshire Council was named Scotland Young Thinker of the Year 2018 (a joint award with the winner at the Autumn YSP). Liam's Argument paper, a searingly honest account of the trials, tribulations and joys of becoming a 'kinship carer', won praise for its elegance, humour, and seamless transition from the personal to the facts and figures, which he utilised to great effect. Helen Duncan, representing the Scottish Government, took the runner-up title. Her paper on the perfect storm of an increasingly ageing population and smaller workforce was written in a warm and accessible style with a naturally flowing argument, excellent use of statistics and nice touches of humour.

The dates for the next Young Scotland Programme have just been announced: 30 September to 3rd October, Troon. Watch this space!