NCS youngsters support charity for ill children
AGROUP of young people are participating in the National Citizen Service (NCS) and supporting a children’s charity with their work.
Over 500,000 15-17-year-olds across the country have already taken part in the NCS scheme since its launch in 2011.
The Macclesfield branch is once again running this summer and the outfit are currently fulfilling the course’s third stage - social action.
The students are tasked with designing and delivering a new social action volunteering project that would make an impact in the local community.
Supporting the charity When You Wish Upon a Star, which grants wishes for children with life threatening illnesses, the group want to build up donations and raise awareness.
They said: “The money that we hope to raise will not just go towards helping families to create meaningful memories but also towards providing medical equipment to drastically improve the child’s quality of life.”
With a target of £1,000, they have so far raised over £700 towards their goal.
Local MP, David Rutley, recently met with some of the motivated young people taking part in the programme at Macclesfield Town Football Club.
The young people were split into two groups. The first planned to fundraise for local charities through bake sales and cake stalls, and the other by doing a sponsored walk and an afternoon tea.
Speaking after his visit, David said: “As I was able to see clearly for myself, participation in the National Citizen Scheme has made a clear and positive difference for these local young people, helping them to build new skills, boost their confidence and strengthen their sense of community spirit.
“I wish them every success in taking forward their social action projects, and I hope that many more local young people will look into the benefits of taking part in this worthwhile and fulfilling programme.”
There are four stages to the course, which generally runs during the summer holiday: adventure (challenging outdoor activities designed to build teamwork); discovery (when participants live away from home to develop independence, usually in university halls); social action; and finally a celebration when the young people can look back with pride at all they have achieved during their course.
The Macclesfield group’s fundraising page can be found at bit.ly/2YEHweE