Member Article

Last call for teens' summer youth programme

Parents across the North East interested in seeing their teenager build confidence, make new friends and develop important life skills are encouraged to get their child to sign up for the National Citizen Service (NCS) Summer 2016 programme before it’s too late.

With dates departing in July or August – the four week, part-residential programme will include a week’s stay somewhere like the Lake District, North Yorkshire or the Scottish borders complete with plenty of outdoor activities, followed by a week staying away from home in accommodation within the local area where young people work with local businesses to improve employability skills create their own social action project where teens will give back to their communities by volunteering and fundraising.

The programme is backed by the government so signing up costs just £50 including food, transport and accommodation. Young people eligible for free school meals can take part for £10.

Thora McAnelly, 17, from Guisborough, took part last summer. She said: “I originally signed up for NCS to give me something different to do over the summer holidays that would look great on my CV and university application, but in reality it offered me so much more.

“Before I took part I was shy, self-conscious and nervous. NCS transformed me into an outgoing, confident and inspired person.

“For anyone thinking about taking part this summer, I’d say just go for it!“

Another NCS graduate, Harriet Shaw, 17 from East Boldon in South Tyneside, agreed. She said: “It’s amazing how much of an impact NCS can have - not only to your confidence but to meet new people and really put you outside of your comfort zone.“

NCS provides young people between the ages of 16-17 the chance to take on new challenges, experience exciting activities, make long-lasting friendships, and develop vital skills that will support them later in life.

Councillor Craig Hannaway, Cabinet Member for Children at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This programme is a fantastic and unique experience, which will be great for meeting new people and building your CV. I would encourage as many young people as possible to sign up and spend part of your summer doing something completely different!“

Places on NCS this summer are now very limited. To book a place, call 0191 247 4020 or visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk

Start dates on the programme are varied by each local authority area, with the first programme departing this Friday 1st July, and run throughout July and August.

A condensed NCS programme also runs in autumn, for those that can’t take part in the summer.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NCS North East .