Stephen Metcalfe

Stephen Metcalfe MP pledges his continued support to NCS to benefit local young people      

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe has today in the House of Commons continued to champion support for the National Citizen Service (NCS). The NCS offers young people the chance to make a positive impact in their local communities while improving their skills during spring, summer and autumn programmes through outdoor activities, a community based residential and voluntary work.

Stephen rose on the floor of the House of Commons to ask Francis Maude, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how the Department intends to widen participation in and increase the availability of the popular Service across the rest of the UK following its success in the South East of the country.
 
Stephen welcomed the Minister’s intention to widen the NCS across Wales and Northern Ireland and that discussions are underway to expand the scheme to Scotland as well.
 

The Minister also praised Stephen’s efforts in support of the programme which has proven very popular locally. He believes that it is a valuable scheme, providing not only opportunities for 16 and 17 year olds to develop their skills, undertake challenges and interact with new groups of people, but also allows for local communities to benefit from the work undertaken. Groups have been involved in care home clean ups, organising music gigs to raise money for hospices and ‘sleep-outs’ to help draw attention to homelessness. Participants will see their CVs, personal statements and UCAS applications enhanced by the NCS.

Any 16-17 year olds looking to find out more about the NCS should visit www.ncsyes.co.uk, call 0845 460 7410, email ncs.east@reed.co.uk or find "NCS East" on Facebook and Twitter.