Parents
national Citizen Service
for parents
NCS is a once in a lifetime opportunity for 16 – 17 year olds.
Along with thousands of other people their age, participants enjoy different outdoor activities and develop confidence and skills - especially the teamwork and leadership skills that employers and admission tutors value. They learn lots, help their local community and perhaps most importantly of all, make new friends, developing socially too.
They will take part in ‘two away weeks’ in the summer (or one in the spring or autumn programme) and be given the opportunity to create a project they really care about and bring it to life in their local area.
NCS is accessible to all, regardless of income, ability, educational attainment or ambition. With government backing, costs are capped at £50, and bursaries are available.
The safety and well-being of participants is paramount. NCS has been running for two years, and more than 30,000 young people have taken part. All activities are comprehensively risk-assessed and overseen by carefully selected and trained instructors and mentors, who undergo Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau checks.
Have a look at our questions page to learn more and say ‘yes’ to help start their NCS experience.
"I became a volunteer after hearing about the project through a family friend. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer, the experience gave me lots of confidence and made me realise how passionate I am about working with young people"
Lindsey Barrass- former NCS volunteer
Woodford Green
"I thoroughly enjoyed the physical activities and staying in university halls"
Jonathan Hammond, 16
West Midlands