National Citizen Service (NCS)

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What is NCS?

NCS is an experience specially designed for 16-17 year olds. We give young people a few weeks out over the summer holiday to meet new people, try new things and cover new ground. We’re all about helping teenagers realise their potential, by giving them a taste for independence and loading them up with new skills so they can go on to smash their future goals.

This year we will be holding 2 Summer Programmes - one wave during term time for those not taking part in GCSE exams or similar, and one over the Summer Holidays:

Wave 1 - 1^st June – 19^th June 2020 (3 Week Summer Programme)
Wave 2 - 27^th July – 21^st August 2020 (4 Week Summer Programme)

Eligibility Criteria

NCS is designed for 16 and 17 year olds. But you can go on programme this summer as a 15 year old, as long as you turn 16 by 31 August 2020. If you turn 18 by this date, unfortunately, you aren’t eligible for the programme.

Age exceptions can be made on a case by case basis for young people with Special Educational Needs - please enquire below for more details on this.

Be EPIC

For your first action packed week of NCS, we’ll be heading to Grosvenor Hall in Ashford, Kent! You’ll meet your team and embark on an adventurous outdoor based week.

Here you’ll have your pick of water activities such as raft building and kayaking, as well enjoying fun onshore activities including rock climbing and high rope courses.
LIVE LIFE

Week 2 is all about giving you a taste of independent living and developing your skill set as you step into adult life! You’ll be staying with your new NCS mates in Athena Hall (University of Suffolk Halls of Residence) and exploring the city of Ipswich whilst learning all kinds of useful life hacks.

Whether you take on a self-defence class, learn some First Aid or get to grips with basic car maintenance – you’ll be sure to come away from this week feeling prepared to take on whatever adulthood throws at you!
DO GOOD

West Suffolk College will be your base for Week 3 (3 & 4 if you go on the 4 week programme) of your programme.

Here you’ll work with your team to plan your local community project with the help of your Team Leaders. You’ll be amazed to see what you can do when you put your mind to it! This is your opportunity to make a difference in your own innovative and unique way, for a cause that is important to you.
GO PARTY

You didn't expect all your hard work and achievements to go uncelebrated, did you? Before we give you your certificates and part ways, we’ll be throwing a celebration at the College to show off all of your efforts and ways in which you’ve developed not just yourself, but the community.

But your NCS journey doesn’t have to end there – we can set you up with post NCS grad opportunities, such as apprenticeships, volunteering and Action Days (further community project work). Some NCS Graduates even end up working for us on future programmes!