Member Article

Adventure begins for North East teenagers

Over 1,000 North East teenagers are currently taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will soon be joined by several thousand more.

They are taking part in the four-week government-backed National Citizen Service (NCS) youth programme.

The first teams of local 16 and 17 year olds travelled to scenic locations in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales or Scottish Borders for a week of outdoor activities designed to boost their confidence and build new skills.

Nationally, over 100,000 teenagers will be taking part in NCS this summer, including around 4,700 from the North East.

NCS is delivered across the North East by a partnership of vInspired and National Youth Agency (NYA).

Denise Halpern, Head of NE Operations, said: “This year will see another record year for NCS in terms of the number of teenagers set to take part. They’ll be developing important skills and growing in confidence. Not only are teenagers making a real difference, many local charities and causes are going to benefit too.“

Following their outdoor adventure, participants will spend a week getting a taste of independent living in a university-style environment, developing new skills to boost their CV or UCAS personal statement.

The next phase of NCS sees the teenagers develop and deliver their own social action projects that make a positive impact in the local community.

South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck has visited young people taking part in NCS several times before and is attending again this summer to support the community projects run by her constituents.

Emma said: “I think NCS is a fantastic programme that enables teenagers to mix with young people from different schools and backgrounds, helping them to become active citizens in the community.“

A very limited number of spaces remain for NCS departures in July, August and during the autumn half-term holidays. Parents wishing to find out more should call 0191 247 4020 or visit www.ncsyes.co.uk.

The whole experience costs no more than £50, which covers the entire experience from food and accommodation to activities and travel, with bursaries available on a case by case basis. Young people eligible for free school meals can take part for £10.

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