Farron backs National Citizen Service scheme in Westmorland

A summer project called the National Citizen Service (NCS) for 16 year olds in the South Lakes is being backed by local MP Tim Farron.

The scheme aims to build a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society by bringing 16 year-olds from different backgrounds together in a residential and home-based programme of activity and service. As part of the experience, participants will spend two weeks away from home, to give them the opportunity to develop life skills and resilience and to serve their communities.

Activities will include outdoor challenges, structured tasks to develop personal skills, whilst visiting and helping groups in the local neighbourhood, and designing and delivering a social action project in consultation with local communities.

The Government are planning to run two years of NCS pilots, starting in summer 2011 and then building on that learning with another pilot in 2012. Over 10,000 16 year-olds will have the opportunity to take part in summer 2011, and 30,000 in summer 2012.

NCS will give many young people an introduction to community action and there will be opportunities for them to continue their involvement once they have completed their NCS programme. There will also be opportunities for some NCS graduates to take part in International Citizen Service, enabling them to undertake valuable voluntary service in developing countries.

To get involved in the scheme please contact Pete Alger via Connexions on 01229 824052.

Tim said, "The National Citizen Service is a hugely exciting opportunity for 16 year-olds to become engaged with their communities and become active and responsible citizens. Working with the Connexions service locally I am hoping to spread the message and encourage young people to look at the scheme and really make a difference to our communities."