Partner Article

North East teens urged to not miss opportunity

Parents interested in seeing their teenager build confidence, make new friends and develop important life skills being urged to have them sign up for the National Citizen Service (NCS) February 2016 programme before it’s too late.

Taking place over the half-term, the programme features a four-day stay at an outdoor adventure centre complete with activities like rock-climbing and archery, along with three days in the local area improving their employability skills, and a social action project during which teens will volunteer in their communities. NCS costs £50 or less and includes all activities, food, transport and three nights of accommodation. 16 and 17 year olds currently in year 12 or 13, or equivalent, are eligible to take part – and places on the government-backed programme for February are set to close soon. Once teens turn 18, funding for the initiative is no longer available to them.

Kim Smith, contract director of the vInspired/NYA Partnership which runs NCS across the North East, says: “There’s not long to go until the start of our February half-term programme, so any parents that want to see their teen take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience should get in touch before it’s too late.”

“There’s really no better way to spend £50 this February.”

“A two-hour family trip to the cinema can cost more than it does for teens to spend four days away from home where they’ll be making new friends, taking part in brilliant new challenges and building vital skills such as confidence, the ability to work effectively in teams, communication and leadership.”

NCS is designed to enable 16 and 17 year-olds to fast forward their futures whilst having fun, learning new skills, and helping their community.

Year 11 students are eligible to take part in the NCS summer programme. The NCS team are currently on a regional tour of schools.

Parents can call 0191 338 7800 for details or search ‘NCS’ online.

All applicants during February will be entered into a daily prize draw to win tickets to NCS Yes Live, which takes place in March and is headlined by Tinie Tempah.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .