David Cameron revived his "Big Society" catchphrase tonight as he launched a bid to salvage his legacy after Brexit .
The ex-PM returned to the motto as he landed his first job outside politics - a key role in the National Citizen Service (NCS).
Tory Mr Cameron set up the NCS as a key plank of his push for charities and volunteers to be a major part of public life.
But the Big Society motto was attacked for coming at the same time as he stripped back public services with years of crushing austerity.
Mr Cameron mentioned the words "Big Society" 17 times in the House of Commons in his first three years as leader and just three times in his final three years.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, however, he has returned to the motto as he revealed he would be the chairman of NCS's patrons and help expand the scheme.
He added: "Young people taking part in NCS are making a real difference in their communities, spending more than eight million hours on projects that they have initiated, from visiting care homes to campaigning for mental-health charities.
"NCS is a fantastic example of the positive and inspirational role young people can play in our modern, vibrant society.
"It is the Big Society in action."
He also tried to stake his claim on Theresa May's new motto, saying NCS participants "are building the soft skills, the resilience, the self-confidence and the creativity that can help them get on in life.
"These are vital life skills – and they shouldn’t be the preserve of a privileged few."
His announcement comes as the Government introduces a National Citizen Service Bill to create a Royal Charter which will put the NCS on a permanent legal footing.
The NCS is open to 15 to 17 year-olds and sees groups of teenagers first going on team outdoor activity trips, then being mentored in the community, and ultimately delivering their own social action project.
Mr Cameron will be replaced as Witney MP in a by-election next Thursday after he quit following the EU referendum .
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