A new initiative is aiming to mobilise 2,012 young people in the capital to impact the world with the gospel in one of the most important years in the country’s cultural history.

The2012 is an initiative of the Diocese of London which aims to train, encourage and release the next generation to “know, live and share” the gospel.

It consists of a number of training events around the diocese which encourage young people aged between 13 and 35 to be mission-focused and to be representatives of Christ in the world around them through gaining confidence in evangelism and witness.

The initiative was launched at St Paul’s Cathedral in October by the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres.

It also has a strong community service focus, providing young volunteers in a wide range of support roles and services to those living in or visiting the capital during this Olympic year.

From giving away free cups of water to those queuing at venues, to helping run sports-themed holiday clubs for young children; the ‘2012’ will really be getting stuck into their communities.

At the launch event, the Bishop of London was joined by 10 young people who had already signed up to the programme, including Jermain Jackman, a 16-year-old from Hackney who is the elected representative for Stoke Newington on the Hackney Youth Parliament, where he is also the diversity officer.

A commissioning service of all 2,012 ambassadors will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral on 24 April.

“I am constantly impressed with the remarkable energy many young people already devote to the task of volunteering in their community,” the Bishop of London said.

“The2012 programme will inspire and equip the next generation of young people in London so that with renewed confidence they will be able to take full advantage of the service opportunities of next summer and beyond.

“I am greatly looking forward to a tremendous gathering in St Paul’s Cathedral for the commissioning service in April.”

For more information, visit The2012 website.