9th December 2008: Prime Minister, Gordon Brown has lent his support to the 'Architecture for Everyone' campaign launched by UK-based international architects RMJM in collaboration with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.

In a statement issued by 10 Downing Street, Gordon Brown pledged his support for the scheme, saying, "A diverse workforce leads to a rich vibrant society, and I welcome the efforts of all those involved to effect change within the field of architecture and urban design."

The £1 million initiative 'Architecture for Everyone' was launched by RMJM and the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust in a bid to encourage more young people from diverse backgrounds, particularly from Black and ethnic minorities, to become architects. The scheme, set up in memory of the black teenager and aspiring architect Stephen Lawrence who was murdered at the age of 18, will see a series of workshops being rolled out in some of the UK's most deprived inner city areas in 2009. The workshops, led by RMJM architects, will give youngsters the chance to work with experienced professionals in the industry. Six of the most promising participants chosen from the series of workshops will be sent on an eight -week Foundation Course at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, USA.

Gordon Brown added "I am pleased to support 'Architecture for Everyone', a new nationwide campaign demonstrating how third sector organisations and the business community can work in partnership to address the needs of young people in urban areas, improve their life chances and raise their aspirations. Giving young people the opportunity to contribute to designing and shaping their community is an important one, as it enables them to make their mark and take responsibility for their environment."

Press contact: Moira Lascelles, +44 (0)20 7392 1997 or moira@ing-media.com