NCS (National Citizen Service), which is delivered by Inspira in Cumbria, has launched a countrywide campaign to enable teens to take an active role in helping the country recover from the effects of COVID-19, as lockdown begins to lift.
Young People across the North West can now register to take part in social action this July and August, and pledge 16 hours of activity as part of the national One Million Hours of Doing Good campaign. Teens who volunteer will gain new skills, help rebuild their local communities and create positive and lasting change this summer. Since opening registrations NCS has had nearly 7,000 young people across the country pledging to get involved.
There will be a wide variety of opportunities for young people to Keep Doing Good in Cumbria including reviving local green spaces, supporting food banks, and finding new ways to connect their communities. Teens in Cumbria will be working with local charities chosen by them.
Liam Edgley, an NCS Graduate from Barrow-In-Furness, said, “NCS has had a real impact on my life and it’s given me skills and opportunities that have lasted years. 16 hours of social action sounds like a lot but imagine the difference you could make to your local community! I’d definitely recommend getting involved!”
As the UK’s flagship youth programme, NCS understands that young people are desperate to step up and support their communities – many already are, but nearly half [44%] of 16-17 year olds don’t know how to get involved to help.
Mark Bowman, Chief Exec of Inspira said: “We are looking forward to getting young people involved with NCS and Keep Doing Good. Not only will they help their local communities, but they will also gain valuable skills and receive recognition for their contribution. Empowering young people to Keep Doing Good this summer is a crucial part of our wider support for people and businesses during this recovery period. Every young person who pledges 16 hours of their time will be making a real difference in their local area, and I’m looking forward to seeing the outcomes of their volunteering and social action projects.”
Stuart Dunne, CEO of Youth Focus North West (the regional centre for youth work practice and delivery) said: “We’re delighted to be working with youth services across the North West, linking them and the young people they work with to the fantastic opportunities available through NCS this summer. Young people can make an incredible contribution to their communities. Through designing and leading social action projects this summer, the difference they make will be tangible, meaningful and sustainable.
Teens can now sign up at NCS to help Cumbria get back on its feet. NCS will then contact them with opportunities that are available in their local area.
