Joel Ward helps to launch NCS for local teenagers
Palace defender Joel Ward is encouraging young people from across south London to sign up to Palace for Life Foundation's brand-new National Citizen Service (NCS).
Between June and August from this year (2020), 16 to 17-year-olds have the opportunity to meet new people, take part in adventure activities and make a difference to their community as part of the NCS programme.
Palace defender Ward said: “It’s great that Palace for Life are giving young people the opportunity to take part in something like this in the summer holidays. Spending time in nature and trying new things is such an important part of life. This is something I’d have loved to get involved with when I was younger and I’d encourage anyone considering it to give it a go.”
Palace for Life Foundation join 150 other organisations, including football clubs, charities and councils, who run the scheme up and down the country. Through the NCS programme, youngsters enjoy a range of outdoor activities like kayaking and rock climbing, as well as taking part in a team project to help their local community.
NCS programme manager Angelica Nabadda explained: “It’s a four-week summer programme which helps young people with the transition from school to college. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to taste independence, develop new skills and meet new people. This will be the first time we’ve run NCS and we’re hoping to have more than 400 participants.”
Palace for Life Foundation chief executive Mike Summers added: “We are very excited to be running NCS this summer and providing young people from south London with this life-changing opportunity. Our participants will come from a diverse mix of backgrounds and this programme will open their eyes to new experiences and help them go on to achieve their future goals in life.”
The first phase of the scheme includes a residential adventure programme outside of London followed by a week of life skills development at Queen Mary University of London.
Angelica continued: “I took part in NCS myself when I was younger, so I know first-hand what a positive impact it can have. The programme helps to build self-confidence and enhances skills like leadership, teamwork and communication.”
The programme culminates with a community project in which students lead an initiative to make a difference within their local community.
The 2020 programme will see five different programme groups of students taking part with places for more than 400 youngsters.
Anyone who would like to get involved should contact: ncs@palaceforlife.org or visit www.wearencs.com