�In the wake of this summer’s London riots the need to re-engage marginalised young people within the community has never appeared more urgent.

One east London group has been at the forefront of this campaign for the past three years.

UpRising is a programme targeted at young people aged between 19 and 25 in the London boroughs of Newham, Barking & Dagenham and Tower Hamlets, as well as Birmingham and Bedford, which is dedicated to creating the next generation of leaders in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The group works with voluntary and public organisations and opens doors to public bodies that young people do not feel they have access to such as the Greater London Authority, the House of Commons, the BBC and Al-Jazeera, in order to instill in them a sense of aspiration and opportunity. Tania Riley of Forest Gate is a recent UpRising graduate.

The 27-year-old helped organised a street party in Woodgrange Road during her time on the scheme and continues to work as a volunteer in Newham.

She said: “I would like to encourage other young people to take action.

“It is easy to blame society and not to take responsibility for yourself.”

Alvin Carpio, 23, of Plaistow, said: “UpRising is a brilliant opportunity for young people to step up and make a difference.

“The course prepares young people for a role in public life and gives them a sense of what is possible.”

Alvin has gone on to take a job as a community organiser in north London with Citizens UK.

Currently, he is working with leaders of faith groups, schools and universities and other community organisations to rebuild Tottenham in the wake of the recent riots.

UpRising is now seeking a new intake of Newham recruits.

“We are looking for people with the potential but not the social capital to become future leaders,” said director Alveena Malik.

“Our programme offers personal development for those who want to give back to the community.

“We want to create school governors, board members and local councillors.

“We are seeking young people with an awareness of their community who may have been involved in volunteering.”

If this sounds like you, download and application form at www.uprising.org.uk

Applications close on September 23.