Member Article

Claudia calls for peers to escape summer loneliness

Claudia Titton, aged 17 from Willington in County Durham, is encouraging teenagers to find ways to stay connected and build new friendships to prevent them getting lonely this summer. The call follows research from National Citizen Service (NCS), the country’s flagship youth empowerment programme, which reveals over half[i] of young people expect to feel isolated during the holidays, with a quarter finding school holidays the loneliest time of year.

The new study of 2,000 teenagers showed almost two thirds[ii] of teens will talk to their friends every day on social media, yet only 14% will see them as regularly in person. For some, this isolation is even greater, with one in twenty[iii] teenagers not expecting to see a single friend during the summer holidays. She is calling for teens to ensure they have the opportunity to experience fun, freedom and friendship following her recent life-changing adventure on the NCS programme.

Claudia, who attends sixth form at St John’s Catholic School in Bishop Auckland, says: “I always used to look forward to the summer holidays but it can be a long break if you don’t have anything planned. Before going on NCS I sometimes felt really lonely and actually pretty bored just sitting at home not physically seeing my friends. Some days I even felt like I wanted to be back at school!“

She continues: “When I signed up to NCS I was worried that, although I would have something to do over the summer holiday, I wouldn’t be with my own friends. As soon as I arrived, I realised everyone was in the same boat as me and we were excited to get to know each other. We all became really close and had so much fun. I’ve now made some lifelong friends and I’ve already got loads of plans this summer, so I definitely won’t be alone.“

Mary, Claudia’s mother, says: “I was keen for Claudia to go on NCS when she mentioned it, as I was starting to struggle to find ways to keep her occupied without breaking the bank. It’s so lovely to see your teenager actually enjoying themselves and meeting new people rather than moping around the house feeling sorry for themselves. Claudia returned a new person, happier, more confident and now I don’t have to worry about what they’re doing this summer as they already have activities planned.“

Kelly Paterson, spokesperson from NCS North East, says: “Claudia’s story shows the importance of providing young people with activities over the summer that will not just keep them occupied, but will also help develop them as a person. On NCS, young people will always have something to do, and a lot of the activities involve team work and meeting new and interesting people. Whether that’s outdoor activities, cooking for themselves or working together on a social action project.“

NCS offers a unique opportunity for fun, adventure and discovery. It is open to all 16-17 year olds for no more than £50. Teens who sign up for remaining summer 2016 programme dates are eligible to take part for £25, or less.

For more information about NCS in the North East, visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk or call 0191 247 4020.

[i] 53%, [ii] 59%, [iii] 5%

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