NCS proven to improve the life chances of young people
25 March 2021
NCS Trust has published its Annual Report which covers the period from April 2019 to March 2020. Read the report highlighting the achievements of NCS.
This annual report highlights what NCS Trust has achieved at a time when the Trust focused almost exclusively on delivering a residential programme. During this period the programme was externally assessed to measure impact and has been proven to enhance the life chances of young people.
It is important to note that during the financial year to end March 2021 - which this report does not cover - the Trust has had to repurpose its flagship programme for young people across the country, as a result of the pandemic. Despite these significant challenges, NCS Trust was able to adapt very quickly, bringing new partnerships into the sector to support young people at grassroots level. In particular, the Trust has supported teenagers from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds, making a real difference to their lives.
But more can be done. NCS Trust recognises that it needs to change to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of young people. Looking ahead, the Trust will focus on its clear vision of helping to create ‘a country of connected, confident, caring citizens where everyone feels at home’.
Key highlights from the Annual Report 2019/20 include:
- NCS delivers taxpayer value, giving £3.49 back to society for every £1 spent
- Young people have done 14.5 million hours volunteering in their communities
- 70% of participants felt more confident about getting a job in the future
- Confidence in leading a team increased by 18% vs a comparison group
- 78% felt more positive about people from different backgrounds
- Two years after doing the programme, participants still were ahead of peers on key work skills like teamwork, communication and leadership
- NCS has a greater positive impact on a number of key outcomes across female participants, those who are disabled and those from economically disadvantaged and BAME backgrounds
- University entry rates are on average 12% higher for NCS participants and significantly higher for those living in areas with traditionally lower entry levels.
Mark Gifford, CEO of NCS, said: “Our vision remains relevant and this annual report evidences the positive impact we have had on young people, especially those who need it most.
“What is clear is that NCS acts as a catalyst in bringing young people together, across divides, building confidence and equipping young people for adulthood. We know we can provide an opportunity for every teenager to grow and flourish, to be more confident and resilient and to feel part of our society with a lifelong commitment to being an active member of it - to be truly a national citizen.
“This annual report demonstrates our ability to deliver against this and our readiness to move forward with agility and the determination to make our ambitious vision a reality. The future will not be without its challenges, but I believe it can be a bright one for the young people who benefit from the NCS experience as they help build the future they will inherit and become our country’s 'next greatest generation'.”
The Annual Report 2019/20 is available on our website at wearencs.com
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information, please contact: media@ncstrust.org.uk
About NCS (National Citizen Service)
NCS is an experience like no other. Designed for 16-17 year olds across England and Northern Ireland, NCS is a youth programme that runs every summer and autumn, during school holidays. Teens get the opportunity to mix with a new crowd, live away from home for a while, take on new challenges and in the process build lifelong friendships.
The programme is all about emboldening young people – by giving them a taste of independence and equipping them with essential skills for life. NCSers then get a chance to take these new-found skills for a test-run in their local community.
NCS is dedicated to providing a platform to make sure young people are heard and can engage with their community by completing passion projects, raising awareness and providing solutions to the issues they care about.
The experience might last just a few weeks, but the impact? That lasts a lot longer. Since 2009 nearly 600,000 young people have taken part in NCS, completing over 14.5 million hours of community action, and gaining priceless life experiences.
NCS costs no more than £50 - with bursaries and support for those with special educational needs or disabilities also available. NCS’s mission is to give every young person the life-changing experience.
NCS delivers value for money. £3.49 of benefits to society for every £1 spent. During lockdown NCS has had over 1.7 million unique engagements with teens through its ‘Staying Connected’ hub.
About NCS Trust
National Citizen Service Trust is an Arm's Length Body of DCMS incorporated by Royal
Charter and established to shape, support, champion and lead a thriving National
Citizen Service.
National Citizen Service Trust is registered in England and Wales with Royal Charter
Body number RC000894.
To learn more about NCS Trust visit LinkedIn
To find out more visit wearencs.com
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