Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham visited Derby University on the 27th July to have a first-hand look at the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme – a UK Government voluntary personal and social development scheme for 15 to 17 year olds in England and Northern Ireland – and speak to the teenagers involved about what they are doing.
She spoke to those engaged with the scheme – some of whom are her constituents – about what they had been doing on the NCS and the experiences they have had.
Commenting afterwards Pauline said: “It was fantastic speaking to the young people involved on the NCS about how they have found their time: how they have benefited from it, and the challenges they have faced. The scheme is a brilliant idea which will hopefully give those involved skills that they will use for a lifetime, and a new measure of self-confidence”.
"In addition, the volunteering aspects of the course help the teenagers give something back to their local community, as well as gain a fantastic boost to their UCAS applications or CVs. I would like to thank everyone involved for sharing their experiences, and Derby University for hosting the event. It is brilliant to know how much they have enjoyed it, and I would encourage anyone considering the scheme to apply”.