October 14, 2013 10.45 am This story is over 125 months old

Final chance for Lincoln teens to sign up for autumn voluntary programme

Busy half term: Teens in the county are being encouraged to sign up for the holiday National Citizen Service programme.
Climbing at a centre in Caythorpe. Photo: NCS EM1

Spaces are still available for teenagers aged 15-17 across Lincoln and the county to sign up for an autumn event with activities and the chance to learn useful skills.

Awesome Autumn is part of National Citizen Service programme, which helps youths improve employability skills and give to local communities as well as have fun and make friends.

NCS promotes a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society by getting various young people together to help their communities.

The autumn programme starts on October 18 throughout the half term, with a five-day stay at an outdoor adventure centre and two days working with local businesses.

Activities include wall-climbing and archery, a social action project and more outdoor events.

Participation costs £35, and includes food and five nights’ accommodation.

Lincolnshire and Rutland Education Business Partnership (EBP) has been selected to run this year’s NCS programme for young people in Lincolnshire, Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

It will run a team of delivery partners in the counties under the name NCS EM1.

It hopes to get 450 youths signing up to the autumn event, plus a number of local businesses to become partners in the scheme.

Phil Everett, Communications Officer for NCS EM1, said: “According to recent figures, the number of jobless 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK has risen by nearly 15,000 over the past few months; a sign that young people are struggling to prove their value to potential employers.

“NCS, however, offers a way for 15-17-year olds throughout Lincolnshire to gain valuable experience and skills that will look great on their CVs and job applications for years to come.

“In addition to making friends and trying new things, the NCS scheme is the perfect way for teenagers to build confidence and other necessary work skills, like teamwork, leadership and communication.”

He added: “NCS is a fantastic opportunity for Lincolnshire teenagers to make the most of their autumn half term by trying new things, picking up new skills and giving back to their local community.

“Awesome Autumn is a slightly shorter version of our summer programme, but it offers all the same benefits including a residential, adventure activities, skill-building workshops, a community social action project, plus a chance to build experience for university applications and CVs.

“We’ve already had a lot young people sign up for the October programme, but there are still spots available.”

To sign up, visit NCS EM1’s website. For more information on becoming a partner, contact Phil Everett on 01522 574152 or [email protected].