A Summer to Remember with NCS

Designed especially for 16- and 17-year-olds, our NCS experience gives young people a clearer idea of what they want from the future. Whether they’re heading off to university or starting a career, we give them a taste of independence and help them pick up the skills that’ll help them make their next steps.

This summer, our teams bonded over their activity week, where they tackled challenges such as bushcraft, search and rescue, and axe throwing – they even received a goal-setting workshop from local Olympian, Goldie Sayer! It was then time to put their passions into action by turning their attention to making a positive change in their community. Through social action, each team made their voice heard on an issue they cared about and, together, they raised over £2,300 for local charities.

Here’s a little look at just some of the charities that benefitted from their support:

• Team 1 supported Ipswich Outreach so they could continue to provide food for those who were homeless or living in poverty. The team collected donations to fund around 90 care packages that were given to the food bank, ensuring vital funds could be spent elsewhere.
• Team 2 chose to support Suffolk Prickles, a small charity that dedicates its time to hedgehog rescue. The group volunteered at the centre and raised over £400 through their tombola stall in the Buttermarket.
• Team 3 decided to support Ipswich Bus Shelter by organising a sponsored walk. The team members felt the need to put the fundraiser in place after they saw the increase of homelessness in the local areas and wanted to do something about it. They raised over £300 and were even featured in the local newspaper!
• Team 4 decided to support Salvation Army by hosting a fun day for their friends and families, complete with a bake sale, raffle, penalty shootout and soak the staff! Not only was it a great day but they raised over £250 for the centre in Ipswich.
• Team 5 raised a staggering £751 for The Dragonfly Unit, based at Carlton Court in Lowestoft, which is an inpatient ward for children and young people with complex mental health needs. The group chose to complete an 8-mile sponsored walk and car wash to buy items the unit needed such as soft furnishings, jigsaw puzzles and hygiene and sanitary packages.

The teams this year have left a lasting impact and helped make a difference in their community at a difficult time. The feedback we have received this year has been incredible and it’s great to know the NCS experience is helping to build a community of confident and caring citizens.

And, of course, we couldn’t let them leave empty-handed! On top of all the pals, lols, and skills, they each received a certificate to remind them of their summer, and an incredible party so they could go out with a bang! Silent disco, anyone?

Fancy joining us next time around? Click here to learn more about NCS!