Posted: 18/12/15
A glittering graduation for young people
A group of young people proud of their success stepped up to the stage this week at a glittering event at Center Parcs where they celebrated taking part in life-changing projects.
Some of the graduates celebrating at Center Parcs
Thirty five teenagers have been involved in the well-known National Citizen Service (NCS), a scheme which is designed to support young people in their transition to adulthood through residential projects and community-based fundraising activities.
NCS is a government-led initiative which provides activities such as residential projects and outdoor physical challenges in the Derbyshire Peaks. Groups got involved in activities such as climbing and abseiling, raft and bridge building in the countryside and mountain bike riding.
Social action projects are also included in the programme which aim to get groups thinking of creative ways of raising money for charities. Over £1,250 was raised throughout this particular social action project.
One group staged a car boot sale raising £170 for Nottinghamshire Hospice. Individuals also volunteered at the hospice’s Christmas fair, helping with sales on the stalls.
Food parcels were also collected for Mansfield-based Hall Homeless Support Project.
Center Parcs played host to the graduation ceremony for the 16 and 17-year-olds on Wednesday (16 December) who had taken part in the range of projects via West Nottinghamshire College.
Guest speakers included Tony Lee from the Hall Homeless Support Project and certificates of achievement were presented by Dr Bilkhu, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
A number of participants from the programme also took to the stage to give their account of how well they developed on the programme, sharing their experiences and memories with friends and families.
Project leader for NCS at West Nottinghamshire College, Nigel Oldham, said: “This particular cohort was made up of young people from all over the county. They came together brilliantly to overcome any logistical problems of delivering the programme over such a wide area and they all became firm friends.
“We’re delighted to be able to share the funds raised so far to some very deserving charities and concerns. To date the groups have raised over £1,250 and still cash is coming in.”
