Amanda Milling, Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, has spoken in Parliament about the importance of the National Citizen Service (NCS) in helping young people kick start a successful career.
Speaking in the debate on the Queen’s Speech, the Cannock Chase MP outlined the benefits of the NCS, which is a voluntary programme open to 15 – 17 year olds and is designed to encourage personal and social development through activities requiring leadership, teamwork and communication. Since its introduction 200,000 young people have benefited from this life changing experience.
Amanda Milling said: “It is not just our education system alone that can help to improve our young people’s life chances. The National Citizen Service is a fantastic programme that, to date, has enabled 200,000 15 to 17-year-olds benefit from new and different life experiences. I have been incredibly fortunate to see first-hand the benefits gained by young people in Cannock Chase who have taken part in the programme which is delivered locally by Coachright. I have joined participants in planning their community projects, packing bags for customers in Sainsbury’s to raise money for local charities and filling boxes for the Cannock and District Food Bank.”
The Cannock Chase MP wants to see young people better prepared for life after school and welcomed moves outlined by the government to extend the National Citizen Service to more young people, while also placing a duty on schools to make them promote the programme to their pupils and parents.
Amanda Milling added: “At NCS graduation ceremonies I have seen how participants have grown in confidence, learned new leadership and team-building skills, and been truly inspired. I welcome plans to extend the scheme so that more young people from a variety of backgrounds can benefit from this life-changing experience. “
Coachright is a not-for-profit organisation delivering sports and recreational activities in communities across the West Midlands, you can contact Coachright at www.coachright.co.uk. Anyone wanting to get involved in the National Citizen Service can find out more information on the website at www.ncsyes.co.uk.
You can watch Amanda’s speech here - http://goo.gl/i2ifRK