A group of West Cumbrian teenagers have been joined by Copeland’s MP in Frizington as they complete their final stage of National Citizen Service.
This week, Trudy Harrison MP joined the group of teenagers to learn more about their community-based work as part of the Government backed programme, whilst getting stuck into painting the exterior of the Phoenix Youth Project centre in Frizington.
During the session, Mrs Harrison heard first-hand how NCS, the fastest growing youth movement in the country for a century – is helping to develop participants’ life skills and wellbeing while boosting community engagement.
She said: “It was a pleasure to meet such an inspiring group of community-minded young people and see the great things they have already accomplished on the programme.
“Initiatives such as these are vital to personal development and don’t just allow young people in the area to gain important life skills, they also help to build confidence and resilience as well as creating lasting new friendships.
“I absolutely commend Inspira for their work in helping to create these fantastic ladders to opportunity as well as all those at the Phoenix Youth Project, who work tirelessly to help promote the positive development of our area’s young people whilst providing a fun and rewarding learning environment.”
Since its launch in 2011, more than 400,000 young people have completed the NCS programme, giving up 11.7 million hours to social action projects.
Its main aim is to tackle three core issues of importance to society: social cohesion, social mobility and social engagement.
Mrs Harrison, added: “I look forward to hearing all about the groups’ achievements over the remainder of their time on the NCS programme and the positive impact their social action has on the local community.”
Phoenix Youth Project Manager, Paul Roe, said: “It was fantastic to see our MP, Trudy Harrison visit the youth centre and speak to all involved. Trudy took her time to speak to all present and has agreed to be part of project’s Phoenix Role Model Scheme later this year.
“The Phoenix Youth Project and our young people are extremely pleased with our freshly painted youth centre in Frizington, the inside of the centre looks great, so much lighter and brighter.
“We’d like to say a huge thanks to all of the young people who did this as part of their NCS programme. The young people have been thoroughly enthusiastic and worked extremely hard to paint a very large youth club.”
NCS Participant, Georgia Phelan said: “Trudy was really was easy to talk to, asked lots of questions and she inspired me. She believes that young people really can make a difference in their local communities.”
Places are still available for 15-17 years to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity. To sign up, please visit: www.ncsyes.co.uk
