O2 today unveiled Think Big, a £5million pound scheme designed to back young people making a difference in their communities.

Research has shown that 46 per cent of adults believe there is a negative view of young people in society, and to counter this perception, this programme aims to inspire young people by putting £300 directly in their hands.

In addition to the cash, young people will receive training, support and mentoring in partnership with some of the UK's leading youth charities to help tackle the issues that really matter to them.

Research commissioned by O2 from New Philanthropy Capital demonstrates that a little investment can make a big difference in the hands of a passionate, skilled and engaged young person.

They estimate that giving £300 to one young person would deliver £3,300 in terms of return for their community.

O2's UK chief executive, Ronan Dunne, said: "We want to help change by supporting grassroots social action... it's not about top-down corporate social responsibility, it's about listening to young people and working with them to create genuine social change."

Think Big has been developed in conjunction with two of the UK's leading youth charities, National Youth Agency and UK Youth, and with the support of the Telef

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