August 29, 2014 2.11 pm This story is over 115 months old

Lincolnshire teenagers give back to the community

NCS summer programme: Over 800 Lincolnshire teenagers spent 24,000 hours helping out nearly 80 community projects across the county this summer.
Dominic Kent (15) from Lincoln (third from the right) and his NCS team

Over 800 Lincolnshire teenagers spent 24,000 hours helping out nearly 80 community projects across the county this summer.

The nationwide voluntary programme called the National Citizen Service (NCS) provides 15-17 year olds an opportunity to take on new challenges, develop vital life skills and to enhance their CVs.

Phil Everett, Communications Manager for NCS EM1, commented: “During the final two weeks, each group takes part in a social action project where they develop and carry out a plan that benefits their local community.”

“It’s an important part of the programme because not only does it build character and boost confidence, but it gives young people the chance to get involved with and really make a difference in their hometowns.”

Dominic Kent, a 15 year-old from Lincoln who spent the summer helping his local community, said:

“Taking part in our social action project has been my favourite part of NCS so far. I’ve loved working with my team, helping one another and watching our project coming together.”

Dominic and the rest of his NCS group have given up their time to help decorate the family area at Sincil Bank football stadium.

Dominic said: ”Hopefully I can inspire others to not only visit the stadium and get involved, but also to take part in NCS because it’s such an incredible experience for me.”

Lincolnshire teenagers not only helped in brightening up Lincoln City’s football stadium, other social action projects that have taken place throughout Lincolnshire include:

  • Various parks and houses in Lincolnshire
  • North Hykeham Sailing Club and Beckside Care Home in North Hykeham
  • Branston and Mere Parish Council and Four Seasons Health Care in Branston
  • Gainsborough Adventure Playground Association in Gainsborough
  • Church Hall and St. Wilfreds Church in Metheringham
  • Greenacres Care Home and Lincs Wildlife Trust in Caistor

Dominic added: “I used to be really shy, but thanks to NCS I feel like I’ve really come out of my shell.”

Despite the summer programmes coming to an end, young people can sign up to take part in the NCS EM1 Autumn programme (a condensed version of the summer programme), scheduled to take place during October half-term starting October 24.