Hosted by the Dale in the Community Sports Trust, this year’s Autumn National Citizen Service (NCS) activities have proved to be a big success.
Established in 2009, NCS is a voluntary and social programme for 15-17-year olds in England and Northern Ireland. Taking place in the summer and autumn, which coincides with the school holidays, it provides the opportunity for young people to overcome their fears, make new friends and gain new skills.
Throughout the October half-term week, the NCS Autumn 2020 programme was designed to support young people coming back together with their peers with the plan to reflect the new world and the new normal that young people face.
Participants took part in a variety of educational workshops, including gambling awareness, mental health and alcohol awareness. There was also a careers talk from Rochdale AFC Chief Executive, David Bottomley.
Those on the course also took part in fun activities at Go Ape and the Trampoline and Adventure Park, as well getting involved in blind football and rock climbing.
The Community Trust has received great feedback from the participants, who were enthusiastic and engaged throughout the programme. Some of their comments are below.
“NCS was unforgettable. I enjoyed every second of it.”
“NCS was the best experience that I had. It not only taught me many things, but I had a lot of fun as well. This experience will be something I will never forget. Thank you so much NCS!”
“NCS has been amazing and the group is amazing. The trampoline park was so much fun and so was blind football.”