Arts minister Estelle Morris has launched a £25 million "positive activities for young people" initiative in association with the Youth Justice Board.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gwen Evans, ATL's joint acting general secretary, told ePolitix.com: "Some school children dread the holidays, a long period with insufficient cash for the leisure activities they would want to do.

"The Positive Activities scheme offers a useful way in. The boost to self esteem is just what's needed.

"It's good to see the emphasis on arts and sports, two areas whose costliness sometimes means that schools aren't able to afford to do enough for in term time.

"Let's hope this scheme gets the publicity it deserves."

Forum Response: New Opportunities Fund

Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, chair of the New Opportunities Fund board, said: "We are delighted that the Fund is able to contribute towards this vital programme that will give young people who may otherwise have limited opportunities in life the chance to fulfil their potential.

"The partnership approach will be key to the success of this programme in providing a joined up approach towards school holiday provision to ensure that vulnerable young people are less likely to fall through the net."

Forum Response: CARE

Tim Clewer, who heads up CARE's work with young offenders, told ePolitix.com: "Young people benefit greatly from the stimulation provided by such activities.

"The process of learning new skills provides a forum for support, teamwork and building trust, leading to praise and affirmation.

"All these things are essential for every child but even more so for those young people who, for many reasons, have not received them throughout their development.

"Additional quality resources like this will always be welcomed, but it is important that they stand alongside more general improvements so that young people can be cared for in, and can offer care to, their owncommunities.

"Such projects are best when they facilitate community regeneration (including the re-establishment of positive values) rather than seeking to make up for the shortcomings in any one young person'sexperience.

"This will require ongoing commitment not only to the groups outlined but also in devolving resources to local communities themselves."