Teenager reaches
out in A Confidence
Lincolnshire teenager whose father is in the RAF has taken part in National Citizen Service programme.
Here Lucy Meakin (17) speaks of the confidence the programme gave her to reach out and help others.
Lucy Meakin from Tattershall, had no idea when she embarked upon her National Citizen Service (NCS) journey that it would be the best experience of her life, in more ways than one.
NCS is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 15-17 year olds across England and Northern Ireland. It is a unique two or three week full-time programme focused around fun and discovery, plus 30 hours committed to a community project that benefits both young people and society. On this Government backed programme, participants build skills for work and life, while taking on new challenges and adventures, making new friends, learning new skills and contributing to their community.
Lucy hoped that attending NCS would give her the confidence she needed to stay away from home and give her a better insight into university life. She also felt it would look good on her application to university where she is hoping to study French and German.
“NCS really benefited my work ethic and determination to succeed in applying for university.” Lucy said.
With Lucy’s dad having been in the RAF for 26 years, Lucy has grown used to him being away for long periods of time. However, Lucy’s dad was expected home following a five month deployment in Afghanistan during Lucy’s time on NCS.
Mum, Sally thought it was important for Lucy to see her dad on the day of his return so turned to the NCS office to see if arrangements could be made to surprise her. Sally added, “I believe in a strong family unit,
www.raf-ff.org.uk
especially when Andrew is away for several months at a time. I wanted him to be able to return home and see the whole family in one day, not just part of it.”
Lucy was sitting with her friends around a camp fire when dad, Andrew, came up to surprise her, leading Lucy to describe the moment as one of her favourites of the programme. “Of course my dad coming home was going to be my best memory but nor does it overshadow the rest of the experience. Another favourite was the skills development week at Riseholme College. It gave me an insight into fundraising and the courage and confidence I needed to be able to phone local businesses and ask for help.”
Lucy was so inspired by the fundraising she did as part of NCS that, at the beginning of January, she subsequently organised a quiz night in aid of Help for Heroes. Lucy
More about NCS
The Government backing means that it costs just £50 or less to take part in NCS and bursaries are available on a case by case basis. Support is provided for young people with additional needs.
For the time spent away from home all meals and activities are covered. The first week is spent at an outward bound facility participating in activities such as abseiling, water rafting and canoeing. The second week teens live away from home, typically at local university halls of residence, learning how to be self-sufficient, developing new skills and finding out more about the needs of their local community.
Taking place outside school/term time, teens can sign up for the part-residential experience and participate in either the spring, summer or autumn programmes. In every programme they will experience four sections that focus on personal and social development including leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Not only do 16 and 17 year olds have the chance to give something back, but it also looks great on CVs and helps with job, college and university applications, building future aspirations. NCS is recognised by UCAS.
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did everything from organising the quiz, to sorting out a venue, raising an impressive £151 for the charity.
Of the experience she added, “Help for Heroes is close to my heart because of my dad so I wanted to raise money for the cause. Before NCS I wouldn’t have had the confidence to organise and run a quiz night, but I am so glad I was able to help!”
Both Lucy’s parents feel NCS has provided her with many new skills and the confidence and opportunity to step outside her comfort zone, which they feel will set her up perfectly for university.
Sally added, “We would recommend NCS to anyone considering taking part or in two minds whether to. The skills Lucy learnt were second to none and she could talk for hours about her experiences.”
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