As summer comes to an end, so does our NCS programme, which we’re very sad about! We have been delivering NCS to two teams of young people aged 15-17 this summer and what a summer it has been. NCS is a national four-week programme, which helps young people discover their talents and realise their potential whilst also enjoying the summer of a lifetime! Inspire deliver this in both Ipswich and Lowestoft.
Phase 1: Adventure
Phase 1 of NCS is time to challenge yourself! It is an active and fun week and we were based at an outdoor activity centre in Norfolk, where our young people were faced with lots of different adrenaline-fuelled challenges to push them out of their comfort zones. The groups took part in activities such as canoeing, zip lining, raft races and much more! This week was crucial to our team forming as a strong group and developing skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, whilst facing fears, building confidence and achieving personal and team goals.
Phase 2: Discovery
Phase 2 is all about discovering something new! Our young people spent their second week at Framlingham College right by the real-life Castle on the Hill with lots of different businesses and charities to learn about issues their local community are facing. The groups had visits from One Life, Ipswich Building Society, The British Red Cross, Volunteering Matters, IHAG, Suffolk Family Carers and many more! They took part in so many cool activities including pool parties, photo challenges and spent their last night at a music concert hosted by Ginger Dog Records.
Phase 3: Social Action
Making a lasting impact is what Phase 3 is all about! This is when our young people got cracking with their Social Action Projects by putting all their skills together to plan and deliver a project. We had four amazing Social Action Projects this summer! One group transformed an area of St Elizabeth Hospice garden into a sensory garden for the residents to enjoy, another did a mammoth sponsored walk for Suffolk Family Careers, another did a beach clean-up on Felixstowe beach collecting 2696 cigarette butts (how amazing!) and one group made care packages for young people and children in St James Paget Children’s Ward!
Phase 4: Graduation
Phase 4 of NCS means it’s time to celebrate! After all their hard work the groups came together and celebrated in style at their NCS graduation event. They spent their evening looking back and reflecting on their achievements, being crowned with our Inspire NCS awards including ‘Funniest Moment’ and partying away to local singer Jade May Jean. They also were given a certificate signed by the Prime Minister!
Selina, a young person who took part in Inspire’s Sumer NCS programme, said:
“NCS has taught me a lot! It’s allowed me to be more trusting when working within a team and make more friends. Whilst on NCS, I’ve had lots of opportunities to do new and exciting things like talking on the radio at BBC Radio Suffolk to tell everyone about our Social Action Project!”
Think you know someone who will love NCS? Get in touch with our team on ncs@inspiresuffolk.org.uk or 01473 353 194.
