Teenagers give up 25,000 hours to volunteer

The youngsters were inspired into action when lockdown came into effect, but research from the National Citizen Service showed that nearly half (44 per cent) of 16-17 year olds didn’t

know how to get involved to help.

That’s where NCS and its Keep Doing Good campaign stepped in, delivered by Manchester-based The Growth Company and a network of delivery partners, offering teens the chance to

pledge 16 hours each of volunteering and social action.

Teens in Blackpool have been rolling up their sleeves to clean up their local area.

They have picked up litter on Blackpool’s seafront, cleaned up community gardens and helped local football club AFC Blackpool get their grounds match ready for the football season.

One NCS participant said : “It was the best thing I did this holiday. I really think others should come and do NCS as it’s been so great; doing new things, meeting new people, learning

things about them and about myself.”

Over the summer teens have got involved with a huge variety of sustainable and meaningful projects.

They’ve cleaned up parks and community gardens, picked up litter on beaches and in woodland, helped charity shops with their post-Covid donations and raised money for local causes

across Lancashire.

This autumn, NCS will continue to offer programmes and activities for 16 to 17-year-olds, directly through their schools and colleges, with additional opportunities for young people to take

part during the half term break.

Teens who have taken part in NCS can also access an extensive network of further opportunities, allowing them to continue doing good for their communities.

Local Action Groups will be held monthly, bringing together young people, and linking them with youth services, local authorities and charities.

For further information on NCS and its Autumn programme, visit wearencs.com.