Agenda item

Guest speaker with presentation

Jo Thornton was welcomed to the meeting to speak about the National Citizen Service (NCS).  The NCS is a four week programme for year 11 and 12 students funded by the Government.  In Barnsley the NCS is run in conjunction with Barnsley FC.  To date over 400 Barnsley young people have taken part.  Members were provided with detailed numbers for each area.  The aim of the project is to promote independence/life skills and encourage young people to help local communities whilst gaining confidence and a sense of accomplishment.  The first week involves a personal challenge for the young people, followed by a week of independent living at Sheffield Hallam halls of residence and finally work on a local community project for weeks 3 and 4.  Type of work undertaken includes help at food banks, care homes and carer gardens.  This could be linked to Love Where You Live and include renovatioin and environmental projects.  One project developed per ward would be ideal.  All projects are fully staffed to ensure that the young people are supervised.  Members were encouraged to identify potential future social action projects in their wards that could benefit from the scheme in the summer period.  It was highlighted that the NCS has some similarities to the Area Council-funded Internship Programme.

Jo was thanked for her attendance and contribution.