Member Article

Hartlepool FE makes life-changing summer commitment

Teenagers in Hartlepool enjoyed a fun-filled takeover day including an inflatable bungee run and pop-up food stalls at Hartlepool College of Further Education this week to celebrate the college’s strengthened commitment to the country’s fastest growing youth movement.

Hartlepool College of Further Education has ramped up its commitment to National Citizen Service (NCS) by pledging to reimburse students for the cost of taking part in the youth programme this summer meaning more students than ever will be able to take part.

The College is one of the only schools in the country to offer this incentive and chose to hold a NCS takeover day to announce the offer. The event, which took place on Thursday 19th May, saw students trying out activities like an inflatable bungee run, giving them a taster of the activities they could take part in on NCS this summer. Students were also invited to speak to NCS staff and graduates of the programme.

Aaron Metcalfe, 17, from Hartlepool, a graduate of the NCS programme, who attended the event, said: “I know how nerve-wracking at can be to sign up to spending your summer with new people and trying new activities so when I heard about the college’s takeover day, I was keen to get involved to set other student’s minds at rest. For me NCS really was a life changing experience. I met so many new friends and took on challenges I never thought I could do, it’s definitely the best way I could have spent my summer.

NCS costs no more than £50, with the cost reduced to £10 depending on circumstances, and covering accommodation, transport, food, everything. The college will be reimbursing students for this fee once they complete the programme.

Darren Hankey, Principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “I have been extremely impressed by the new skills and experiences students gain after taking part in NCS.

“It is a pleasure to further consolidate our partnership with NCS, as we work together to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed. I urge young people to grab this opportunity with both hands.“

NCS offers teenagers aged 15-17* the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones with an adventure packed residential programme and the chance to make a positive difference in the local community.

Kim Smith, Contract Director for NCS in the North East, said: “I’m delighted that Hartlepool College of Further Education are committed to enhancing their learner offer through NCS.

“Teenagers in Hartlepool have the exciting opportunity to get out of their comfort zones this summer – and get a whole host of skills and experiences that will help them thrive as they take their next steps in life. Places are open to students across Hartlepool but are likely to go fast so parents and teens should enquire now for more information.“

A limited number of places are still available for this summer’s NCS programme. Departure dates are available on 13th, 17th, 21st, 25th July with NCS delivery partners Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation or Safe in Tees Valley.

To find out more or to book a place on the programme this summer, teenagers or their parents should call 0191 247 4020 or visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk.

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