Shine 2010

The National Youth Agency, which has for the past year led the Shine consortium, was informed last week by the Department of Education that the project will no longer be supported by the department.

The DfE acknowledged the hard work and achievements of the consortium and its partners but was unable to sustain funding in the current spending environment.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families launched the Shine campaign in 2008 to celebrate the achievements of young people in schools and youth organisations. The Agency is now in negotiation with partners to wind-down the programme.

Fiona Blacke, chief executive of the National Youth Agency said: "Shine was a great opportunity to celebrate young people's talent and achievement and counteract negative perceptions of young people.

"Of course we are disappointed not to run the Shine Week this year, but we recognise that these are really challenging times and the priority must be to protect front line services particularly so the most vulnerable young people don't lose out."

The Shine Consortium was led by the National Youth Agency in partnership with NYCVS, UKYP, UK Youth, Princes Trust, Media Trust, Twofour Media and Haymarket Network.