Around this time of year hard-bitten, cynical newspaper teams choose their charities of the year. It’s a sign of the times (and Telegraph and Guardian etc) how they change over the years. It used to be donkey sanctuaries and orphanages but these days they are more thoughtful about their choices. Of course, we are now in the digital age so I thought the Polis blog should join in with its own selected good cause, the Refugee Youth Project.

The Guardian is already running a three-year project to raise funds for a Ugandan Village which looks like a really interesting example of the media using its ability to put readers in touch with people in need.

The Telegraph has an interesting set of causes. One is the trust set up in the name of veteran journalist and charity supporter Bill Deedes but it is also backing the rather more radical Kids Company run by the fantastic Camila Batmanghelidjh.

Polis has decided to back the Refugee Youth Project which is a wonderful new charity that provides educational support and stimulating days out for refugee children in Barnet, North London, the Al-Bass Refugee camp in Tyre, Lebanon, and the Damak Refugee Camp in Nepal. It is run by a group of trustees who are all under 30 so not only is it incredibly efficient but it is also bursting with energy and fresh thinking. Just £30 pays for a graduation party for a class of school-children, £5 buys enough glue and glitter to keep the kids busy for a day. Go on, make their day, click here.