NCS helping to raise awareness of mental health

THE NATIONAL Citizen Service (NCS) in Leicestershire championed Mental Health Awareness Week (May 14-20) to help raise awareness of mental health ahead of its programme this summer after national research by the youth empowerment programme revealed that 37 per cent of teens have experienced mental health problems.

NCS is dedicated to supporting 15-17-year-olds across the county build confidence, develop important life skills and have fun during their summer break. It is a unique four-week summer programme, focused around fun and discovery with teens spending time away from home, learning new life skills and also volunteering at least 30 hours of their time to a community project or charity of their choice.

Nayya Patel, 17, who took part in NCS EM1 last year, said: “I have a history of mental health problems and was often teased about it at a younger age.

“Nowadays people are becoming more aware and taking things seriously however, the message needs to reach more people.

The connections that I made with people over four weeks and the amount that we were able to complete together was amazing - I am able to do more than I thought I was capable of and I overcame so many hurdles!”

The government-backed scheme costs no more than £50, which covers the entire experience from food and accommodation to activities and travel, with bursaries available on a case by case basis.

The Leicestershire NCS summer programme will start on June 25 – with more dates available throughout the summer holidays.

For further information and to sign up to the summer NCS EM1 programme visit https://ncsem1.org.uk/register.php or call 01522 574101.