August 8, 2011 9.56 am This story is over 163 months old

National Citizen volunteers get started

Activity scheme: Youngsters from Lincoln and nearby take part in a National Citizen Service.
Photo: MP Nick Boles takes on the climbing activity with participants.

Youngsters taking part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme have been supported by local authorities after their first activity week.

The 100 young people from around Lincolnshire are some of the first to take part in the national scheme by the government.

The four-week scheme aims to help young people build confidence and work both together and with the local community.

Stamford and Grantham MP Nick Boles and Education Department director Anne Jackson have praised the group’s efforts so far.

The teens, all of which are over 16, have undertaken a range of team building challenges at PGL, an adventure Centre in Caythorpe.

Boles and Jackson also took part in some of the activities, such ad the shooting gallery and climbing.

Mr Boles said: “The point of the challenge [adventure activities] is to show young people who the best way to overcome their fears is to work with other people.

“It’s a good message for life and society.”

As part of the programme, the youngsters will also learn how to live independently and spend 30 hours working on community projects.

Mrs Jackson said: “It has been wonderful to see young people having such a good time here [at Caythorpe].

“I have chatted to many of them and they are obviously learning a lot together and also looking forward to doing the social action projects in their areas.”

Participant Melissa Poole (16) from Lincoln said: “The first week’s been great fun.

“I’ve met new friends, learned about communication and teamwork and tried activities which I’ve never done before.

“I applied to do the NCS programme because I thought it would be fun, give me the chance to learn new skills and also because I thought it would be good for my CV.”

Source: Lincolnshire & Rutland EBP