North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson met with young people taking part in the Government’s National Citizen Service.
The National Citizen Service began in 2012 and aims to help young people develop key skills such as teamwork, leadership, project planning, and social action – as well as allowing those taking part to build confidence, make new friends and enjoy a number of exciting activities.
Each project lasts two weeks, with the first week a residential trip where those taking part in activities such as raft-building and paddle-boarding; we well as activities to build skills such as public speaking.
The second week sees the groups undertake a social action project, where they organise an event or series of events to raise money for a local charity.
Justin met the young people taking part as they began planning for their social action project. A number of ideas were discussed including busking, a tombola, GoFundMe page, and car wash. Justin listened to their ideas, provided feedback and gave advice.
There was also an opportunity for the young people to ask Justin about his role as an MP, with topics including MP pay, Boris Johnson, conversion therapy, and immigration.
Justin Tomlinson said: “It was a pleasure to mee the NCS students today. They were enthusiastic, engaged and it was clear they were benefitting from the NCS scheme – with their skills around public speaking, team work and project planning being tested and shining through.
The NCS scheme not only helps the students build their CV, but helps them appreciate and support their own local community and whichever local charities they would choose, the social action projects will make a real difference. NCS is absolutely key to help young people transition to adulthood and the local NCS can be very proud of their latest cohort of students.”
