A PROJECT launched to equip young people with the skills to play a positive role in managing conflict aims to act as a stepping stone to help break the cycle of violence.

THINK is one of The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace newest programmes which will focus on conflict resolution, self-awareness and identity and leadership skills.

Participants will develop skills including critical thinking and problem solving and work to challenge their own personal perceptions by exploring alternatives to prejudice and violence. 

Project manager Jemma Buntin said: "THINK is about equipping our young people with the skills and knowledge so that they are able to be confident to play a really positive role in managing conflict.

"This is so that they act rather than react and recognise that they have the ability to influence positive change by starting with themselves."  

The THINK project will see 75 young people participate who will later become alumnae of the scheme.

Director of commissions Kelly Simcock said: "What we are interested in doing is working with future generations to vision a world that is free from violence and hate. 

"Drawing on almost two decades of work with young people and communities impacted by violence, we are confident that our new programme and its graduates will be able to take thinking and actions to the next level to break the cycle of violence."