National Citizen Service for 16 year olds launched

THE NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE has been launched by the Government. Involving tough physical challenges and community projects, it will aim to help 16-year-olds to learn new skills and develop the attitude needed to become active, responsible citizens.

The Service has been launched by twelve groups to 'pilot' ideas in different areas. Field Studies Council will provide some places for 16 year olds in Hull, while those in the East Riding have been directed to national providers, Catch 22 - although they have no projects listed in this area at the time of writing.

National Citizen Service will take place during the summer after school students finish Year 11. It will run for three weeks full-time, including two weeks away from home. After that, you’ll need to complete another 30 hours on a part-time basis.

Activities like mountaineering, canoeing and abseiling will be on offer, and the young citizens will get the opportunity to design and deliver their own community project to improve the area where they live.

David Cameron has helped launch the Service on Facebook. This is what he had to say:

"I want National Citizen Service to inspire you to realise what you can achieve. This summer you will be able to spend two months mixing with other young people, learning new skills, and putting something back into your community. NCS will be available to 11,000 people in 2011 and 30,000 in 2012. Over time I want all sixteen year olds to be able to take part."

The first pilot programmes will start in July after the end of GCSE examinations and will end in National Citizen Service graduation ceremonies attended by family and friends.