It may be early summer, but life is all about the forthcoming autumn/winter season here in the Young Programme office. The Autumn Young Scotland Programme which will be held in Troon from 30 September to 3 October is filling up so fast that we have now announced the dates for the next one: 28 to 31 January (also in Troon). Click here for all you need to know. The final event of 2019 will be the Young Ireland Programme – that’s from 19 to 22 November. As always, it will be held in Scotland! Click here for the booking form and information on this popular annual event.

The unseasonal weather outside did nothing to dampen the spirits at the Summer Young England and Wales Programme in Lancaster in early June.

On the final evening the England and Wales Young Thinker of the Year title went to Peter Gallagher, who is currently on a work placement with the Pension Protection Fund. Peter's paper on 'Bloody Sunday' was praised for its 'passion, powerful phrase-making... writing that was never gratuitous... and a commanding presence at the lectern'. Peter shares the title with Alice Green of Liverpool City Council, who took part in the Spring programme. Sarah Moore (British Horse Society) was runner-up. Her paper on social media was described as 'lively, thorough, authoritative and searching' and she was praised for her relaxed, confident style and superb eye contact with the audience. Lizzie Ellis (ActionAid UK) was highly commended, and Aisha Ibrahim and Nicholas Mainwaring, both representing the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, were commended.

The winning group was Group E – Gurpreet Grewal (NHS England), James Jefferson (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government), Trudie Mordue (British Heart Foundation), and Caroline Thomas (Duke of Edinburgh's Award). Dan Stephenson (CYBG) won the award for Best 90 Second Challenge with his question: 'Is the "bumbling dad" trope dangerous?' Click here for photographs.