Youngsters develop understanding of community and give something back.
Club Doncaster Foundation has been delivering the NCS programme throughout the Summer to 16 & 17 year olds from across Doncaster.From rock climbing to kayaking, gorge walking to abseiling, all our programmes started with an away residential to either North Yorkshire or the Lake District.
This is followed by a home residential for a ‘uni’ experience at Doncaster Deaf Trust. Participants got to take part in budget management, first aid, sports leadership and more.
In addition to this, community groups came to speak to the young people to talk about the issues and projects in the local community. Inspired by what they had heard, the participants then planned their own ‘Social Action’ project to make a positive impact in their community.
Across the Summer, the 218 young people that took part in NCS have raised money for local causes, rejuvenated local amenities and even built an insect hotel, contributing over 6500 voluntary hours across the summer!
Here are a few examples of the projects delivered through NCS Summer 2014 by our participants:
Hexthorpe Allotments:
After discovering that the place looked a bit run down a group of young people decided to paint and decorate 50 sheds on the allotment.
Sandrock House, residential home:
NCS students volunteered at the home based in Cantley. Here the young people engaged with the residents in games of bingo and ‘sing-a-longs’.
Insect Hotel:
A group decided to build an insect hotel at Hyde Park Cemetery to protect the local wildlife, in order to raise funds for the materials a bake sale was arranged which raised £110.
Anti Bullying Video:
Students made their own anti bullying video to raise awareness and it is now on You Tube being watched by hundreds of people.
Cavy Corner:
A group of young people volunteered at the guinea pig sanctuary where grounds were tidied up and cages cleaned. To support the sanctuary the group did a car boot sale and raised £156.
The British Heart Foundation:
The group volunteered at the shop in Doncaster supporting staff in serving customers and general shop keeping duties.
Club Doncaster Foundation co-ordinator Jan Budtz said, “It has been truly inspirational to see the young people on their NCS journey this summer.
“They have all come together and worked as a teams to produce some amazing projects which has resulted in a lot of hours being given back to the community.
“September 19th will see all 218 participants take part in a big graduation at the Deaf Trust where our local MP Rosie Winterton will hand out certificates to the young people.”