National youth programme returning for autumn half-term

Graduates of this Summer’s NCS Programme with their certificates in front of Brayford Pool following a presentation ceremony at Lincoln’s Odeon Cinema.

Lincolnshire teenagers who missed out on this summers’ National Citizen Service (NCS) programmes now have the chance to join its autumn half-term sessions.

The youth work experience programme will have 240 places available for youngsters aged between 16 and 17 during the school break, which begins towards the end of October.

More than 500 teenagers took part in NCS programmes this summer.

The young people will be based in PGL, an outdoor adventure centre near Grantham, before moving to across the county for challenge days and volunteering projects, where they will work with local communities and businesses.

Each teenager will then spend at least 12 hours working on social action projects within their community over two Saturdays in November.

The Lincolnshire & Rutland Education Business Partnership (EBP), which is delivering this national programme to the region, is now appealing to young people in the county’s schools, colleges and 6th Forms to sign up.

Phil Everett, EBP Enrichment Officer, said: “NCS is an amazing opportunity for young people, they gain so much by taking part, not only from making a difference to their communities but also developing new friendships and gaining in confidence.”

The EBP is also asking teachers, previous NCS participants and local people who are interested in becoming mentors to support the young people during the scheme.

Claire Flavell, EBP Work-Related Learning Manager, said “As a guide, we’re looking for projects throughout Lincolnshire and Rutland that fit into the criteria of creating, campaigning and helping. We would urge local communities to come forward where they feel they have projects that our young people could support.”