Member Article

'Last call' for Northumberland teens

Young people and parents across Northumberland, interested in seeing their teenager build in confidence, make new friends, and develop life skills, are being reminded to encourage their child to sign up for the National Citizen Service Summer (NCS) 2016 programme before it’s too late.

With dates departing in July or August, the four week, part-residential programme for teens in Northumberland will include a week’s stay in either the Lake District or North Yorkshire, complete with plenty of outdoor activities.

This will be followed by a week staying away from home at Kingswood Dukeshouse Wood in Hexham where the young people will work with local businesses to create their own social action project – improving their employability skills whilst giving 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.

Stephen Drew, NCS recruitment coordinator for Northumberland, commented:

“Our summer NCS programmes are starting over the coming weeks, so any parents that want to see their teen take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience should register their interest before it’s too late!”

NCS graduate David Mallon, 17, from Blyth, has joined the call for teenagers from right across Northumberland to sign up for the summer programme.

The Bede Academy student said: “I signed up to NCS because I thought it would look great on my CV and university application, but in reality it has offered me so much more.

“Through NCS I’ve met lots of new friends, got to try new activities and improve my confidence. For anyone thinking about taking part, I’d say just go for it!”

The National Citizen Service (NCS) programme is delivered in partnership by Northumberland County Council’s Youth Service team and is open to all 16-17 year olds. The initiative brings together young people from different backgrounds and helps them to develop greater confidence, self-awareness and responsibility by working on skills like leadership, teamwork and communication.

Participants have the opportunity to take part in exciting activities, experience new challenges, and make long-lasting friendships.

Councillor Robert Arckless, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Northumberland County Council, said:

“The NCS programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people across the county to have a lot of fun, learn a variety of new skills, boost their employability, and truly engage with their communities.

“It is really important to help develop and arm our young people with the skills that prepare them for their future, and it is through initiatives such as this that we are encouraging a new generation of business and community leaders in Northumberland.”

This summer, teenagers in Northumberland can choose from departure dates of 25th July, 29th July, 8th August or 12th August. A limited number of places are available. National charity Catch22 also deliver the NCS programme in Northumberland and offer dates departing 21st July and 2nd August.

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

Parents or teenagers should call 0191 247 4020 or visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk to book a place.

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