The National Citizen Service (NCS) – a government initiative to encourage the personal and social development of young people – saw more than 50 local 16 and 17-year-olds complete a four-week programme last autumn.

Participants spent the October half-term week at a residential outward bound centre near Snowdonia, North Wales, where they engaged in various activities designed to develop skills for work and life such as leadership, teamwork and communication.

The young people also designed and delivered a social action project during the following three weekends, working with local community organisations such as the Luton Accommodation and Move-on Project (LAMP), a local charity supporting young homeless people aged between 16 and 25, and Keech Hospice.

In 2013 young people from in and around the Luton area contributed to a total of 20,000 hours volunteering in their local communities through NCS – raising more than £12,000.

Craig Bethell, Project Manager at NCS, said: “The NCS programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to support their transition into adulthood. The skills they develop through working on projects for the local community are a real boost to their future career prospects.

“The autumn programme follows the success of our summer programme in 2013, where participants learnt about increased responsibility and independent living during their residential week at the University of Bedfordshire’s Fitzroy Court Student Village in Luton. “

The NCS programme continues to run in Luton for young people in years 11 and 12 during the spring, summer and autumn terms.  To find out more go to www.ncseast.co.uk or email ncs@bydesign-group.co.uk