National Citizen Service strikes a chord with young people in the North West

The three-to-four-week programme, which takes place in school holidays, is open to 16 and 17-year-olds across England and Northern Ireland

Over 17,000 young people from across the North West have expressed an interest in the National Citizen Service (NCS) since the Growth Company was awarded the contract to manage delivery in the region just over a month ago.

Since 28 October, over 50 events to engage with young people have taken place within the Growth Company’s direct delivery area of Greater Manchester, Bury and Rochdale, with over 2,300 young people enquiring about the service.

Mark Hughes, Chief Executive of the Growth Company, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been awarded this contract for NCS delivery across the North West.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity that will enable us, in collaboration with our local delivery partners, to reach more than 15,000 15-17-year olds across the region each year.

“I’m confident it will complement our existing provision for young people and make a real and lasting difference to those whose futures will be greatly enhanced by their NCS journey.”

Chris Hindley, CEO of Youth Fed, one of the Growth Company’s partners in Cheshire, Wirral and Halton, said: “In the last six weeks, Youth Fed staff have delivered 40 engagement events in schools, leading to 2,174 enquiries from young people keen to take part in NCS with the Growth Company and Youth Fed during 2020.”

Established in 2011 to help build a more cohesive, mobile and engaged society, NCS is a government backed programme that brings together young people from different backgrounds for a unique shared experience.

The three-to-four-week programme, which takes place in school holidays, is open to 16 and 17-year-olds across England and Northern Ireland.

It includes outdoor team-building exercises, a residential for participants to learn ‘life skills’, a community-based social action project and an end-of-programme celebration event.