Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, has expressed his delight at the work of the National Citizens Service (NCS) both in his constituency and nationwide. The NCS team are enriching the community with a sense of positivity and Mr Costa hopes their initiative will inspire other young people in the area to take part.
The National Citizens Service is a government scheme launched by the coalition government in 2010. It offers 15-17 year olds with a chance to volunteer in order to develop personally but also give back to the community through activities such as raising money for charity, revamping local spaces and campaigning on local issues. Over 275,000 people have already taken part, with many active in the East Midlands and South Leicestershire in raising money for The Y Charity, Rainbows, Saffron Acres, Warning Zone and many more.
Mr Costa said, “The NCS is a wonderful programme that provides young people with skills and experience that will be valuable to them throughout their lives. It’s important to teach people the importance of giving back to the community whilst also developing their entrepreneurial skills through the range of money raising activities they organise”.
Chloe Mullahy, a participant in this Summers NCS programme, who attends Countesthorpe Community College, have raised awareness and funds for the The Y who support homeless young people commented: “NCS challenges you to overcome your fears and to push yourself to achieve more things. Raising money for our chosen charity really makes me feel like I am making a difference and I would recommend anyone to take part in NCS.”
Priten Chauhan, another one of the 1,000+ Leicestershire participants this summer, who attend Leicester Grammar School commented: “This has been the most incredible summer. I’ve had so much fun, tried something new every day and met new people with great characteristics who I can’t wait to meet up with again. When we stand on stage on our Graduation night the sense of achievement will be something I’ve never experienced before because of the amazing things we have done through our Social Action Project and all the fears I have conquered. NCS is a great way to spend school holidays, I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Rachael Clarke, NCS Manager in Leicestershire commented: “The programme provides is a fantastic transition into adulthood, from shy teenagers they blossom into compassionate and confident young adults who are ready to take on the world! Thank you to all the generous people in South Leicestershire who have stopped to make a donation and hear what these teenagers are passionate about, it’s really inspiring.”
Mr Costa concluded, “I am delighted to see the brilliant work the NCS team have carried out across the East Midlands and South Leicestershire. I was pleased to see the volunteers visiting my constituency office in order to count their donations and to talk about their excellent work with my team. They have enabled many constituents to make donations and hear about the projects they have been supporting, I am very pleased that their work has enriched our community through the positive social action they have been undertaking”.