Parliamentary Under – Secretary of State for Children and Families, Tim Loughton gave an exclusive interview to Ellen Goodey, employee on Mencap’s Raising Your Game project on Tuesday January 24 2012 at the Houses of Parliament.

Leading the interview was Ellen, aged 29, Marketing and learning disability consultant on Raising Your Game.

Interested in the government’s policy for the future of young people’s services, Ellen chose to interview the minister responsible for this area of policy, Tim Loughton. Loughton’s strategy ‘Positive for Youth’ includes the increased role of young people in shaping local services, particularly relevant to Raising Your Game which is entirely shaped by the young people it aims to support.

Many of Raising Your Game’s young people have been previously excluded and Tim Loughton explained to Ellen what steps the government taking to address the underlying causes of young people’s disengagement from school as well as detailing the government’s long term vision for disabled children and young people being equal in education.

“It is important we recognise the achievements of young people in this country. The vast majority want to do well and are making a positive contribution to their communities. More youngsters volunteer than any other group in society.  I want Positive for Youth to be a turning point in how we view and treat young people, and in how we think about youth services. In a tough economic climate, bringing in charities and businesses to help develop and provide youth services is the way forward and I value the work Mencap are doing.”

Since working on Raising Your Game and interviewing various politicians including Tim Loughton, Ellen says “I think it’s important to ask politicians anything. I wanted answers from the minister about the provision of youth services and I got them. ”