Member Article

Life-changing summer awaits Northumberland College students

Northumberland College has ramped up its efforts to give local young people the chance to reach their potential, by working with National Citizen Service (NCS) to offer students a life-changing experience this summer.

The NCS team visited the college’s Ashington and Kirkley Hall campuses on Tuesday to offer the summer experience to students, speaking to students about the chance to take part in the government-backed scheme this summer. A further presentation is planned at the Berwick campus in the coming weeks.

In excess of 4,500 young people from across the North East have said yes to the summer-of-a-lifetime with NCS, which is the country’s fastest growing youth movement. This includes over 550 teens from Northumberland.

Northumberland College have firmed up their support of NCS by organising presentations across their campuses and promoting the opportunity to students and parents.

Marcus Clinton, Northumberland College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We’re happy to work with NCS to offer students the chance to take part in valuable experiences and further develop life skills.”

NCS is open to all teenagers aged 16-17, empowering them to step well away from their usual comfort zones through an adventure packed residential programme. The programme enables teens to develop extra skills that accompany their study and future plans for work and life.

First of all, participants embark on a week living at an outdoor adventure centre, meeting new people and enjoying quality time away from home.

In week two, teens will build the skills employers really value; confidence, leadership and communication. Living away from home again, this time somewhere within Northumberland, they’ll build new skills.

Putting everything they’ve learnt along the way into practice, they then plan, organise and deliver their own social action projects that make a real difference in the local community. Over the past two years young people have collectively dedicated more than eight million hours to volunteering through NCS.

Kim Smith, Contract Director for NCS North East, said: “It is fantastic to have Northumberland College on-board, offering students the opportunity to hear all about NCS and how to get involved.

“NCS has always been extremely popular with Northumberland teenagers – and this summer is set to be the biggest programme to date. Young people can look forward to an exciting summer of discovery, fun and the chance to pick up new skills along the way.”

NCS costs no more than £50, with the cost reduced to £10 depending on circumstances, and covering accommodation, transport, food, everything.

A very limited number of places are still available for this summer’s NCS programme across Northumberland. To find out more or to book a place, teenagers or their parents should call 0191 247 4020 or visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk.

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