We build understanding by encouraging schools, colleges and other educational institutions to look at their pupils with fresh eyes, take a broader view of personal development, and promote diversity.

Lack of academic success can cause talented young people with limited opportunities to lose hope and regard themselves as failures. But more and more research shows that talent isn't just about academic success - it's about creativity, organisation and personality.

We want to find ways to help people realise their talent and find the right pathway to success in their own lives. We believe people can build their self-confidence by helping to build their own communities, so social responsibility becomes and remains a personal commitment.

We encourage urban designers and planners to "design in" sharing and "design out" prejudice. Unfortunately, regeneration is something that's often "done to" people rather than something they do for themselves - and history shows us this top-down approach doesn't work. Instead, we help communities understand their own needs, develop their own vision, build their own skills and take charge of their own futures. We're convinced this is the best way to promote equality and community cohesion.

Schools, colleges and educational institutions need input from specialists in urban design so they can point their pupils towards the right career choices for them. We act as a broker between academic institutions and the many businesses that will benefit from the growth of a multi-skilled, multi-ethnic local workforce.

A bursary student explains her work at No 10 Downing Street