The U is a novel way of providing citizens with the skills and confidence they need to help others through short, accessible courses - from first aid and conflict resolution through to neighbourhood organising and greening your home. The aim is to reduce unnecessary deaths, reduce the risk of violence, and strengthen communities' capacity to act for themselves.

Using pop-up shops in busy high streets to attract the general public courses will give them skills which can be learned relatively easily in small, bite-sized modules.

The U is a venture from The Young Foundation in partnership with NESTA.

To find out more please visit the http://the-u.org.uk/.

You can also follow The U on Facebook and Twitter.

Pdf briefing paper on the The U: a Citizens University.