Spring, Summer and Autumn programmes for local 15-17 year olds on the Isle of Wight are back for 2016 with the Governments National Citizen Service (NCS) and UKSA.
In 2015, over 90 young people from the Island benefited from the extraordinary friendships, new found life and work skills and unforgettable memories gained while on the scheme which is delivered by Cowes youth charity, UKSA.
The search is now on for young Island residents aged 15-17 to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which will be delivered throughout the school holidays. The Spring programme will run from 25th March, the Summer programme from the 18th July and the Autumn programme will begin on the 21st October.
The scheme, delivered in partnership with The Football League Trust, is a national programme, which allows young people to take part in adrenaline-fuelled activities whilst developing CV’s, leadership, communication, planning and teamwork skills over three distinct phases; Adventure, Future, and Make Your Mark. As part of the experience participants also learn important life skills such as budgeting and first aid whilst experiencing a taste of independent living.
The teenagers are then tasked with planning, fundraising for and delivering a social action project to make their mark on the local community. Last year NCS participants delivered community projects for Lanesend Primary School, Earl Mountbatten Hospice Trend Café Newport and Ability Dogs 4 Young People.
2015 participant Brett Wood described the programme as:
“a brand new experience which allowed him to do things he had never done before.” Jasmin Williams added; “managing to accomplish something as terrifying as cliff diving was a real boost to my confidence.”
NCS is officially recognised by UCAS and increasingly valued by employers, allowing young people to really boost their CVs and university applications.
Jade Beasley, UKSA’s NCS co-ordinator explained:
“This programme fits perfectly with UKSA as it’s an extension of the type of work we already do with young people, easing that all-important transition from their school days to working life. The course is based on the six NCS principles which include; social mixing, challenge, increased responsibility and independence, reflection, social action and inspiration.
“By the end of the 2015 programme it was clear to see the young people’s confidence had increased through the teamwork and leadership skills they had undertaken. It is a fantastic opportunity for them to have greater awareness of their local community.”
The NCS programme has been running since 2011, with over 200,000 young people taking the opportunity to fast track their future with the programme. Thanks to government funding, the most NCS will ever cost a participant is £50 for the summer and £35 for the Spring/Autumn programme.
Jade has been visiting Island high schools, academies and colleges delivering a presentation to encourage participation with an impressive amount of interest. For further information or to register for one of the 2016 programme contact Jade Beasley on [email protected] or 01983 203045.
