A GROUP of dedicated youngsters have celebrated completing a citizen programme which enhanced their skills ahead of adult life.

Around 400 young people and their guests packed the Citygate Church in Bournemouth for the latest NCS (National Citizen Service) graduation event led by BCHA.

The 15 to 17-year-olds all successfully completed the government’s youth empowerment programme, during which they improved their communication skills, boosted their confidence.

Through the scheme it was estimated the hours volunteered to social action projects was worth £93,000.

Bournemouth-based charity organisation BCHA, which has been helping homeless and vulnerable people for 50 years, is the largest provider of the NCS in the Poole and Bournemouth area.

Anna Garrett, NCS project worker at BCHA, said: “NCS aims to build skills that will make participants stand out to employers and universities, and the graduation is always a joyous occasion providing a great opportunity to share experiences and achievements in what has been for most, a life-shaping experience.”

NCS begins with a residential course, followed by workshops to develop essential and practical life skills, and finally, involvement in a social action project they feel passionate about.

NCS project worker Georgia Turner said: “During July and August we took 399 youngsters to the Isle of Wight where they stayed in tepees and took part in challenging activities such as mountain boarding, coasteering, paintballing, quad biking, paddle boarding and rock climbing.

“This part of the programme takes many of them out completely out of their comfort zone and as well as developing team building skills is a great boost to their self-confidence.”

The young people went on to complete 36 social action projects, including redesigning a garden at a domestic abuse refuge and supporting cancer patients.

BCHA is accepting places in their next NCS course, which starts in October. Social action projects are also invited to get in touch if they would benefit from NCS support.

For more information contact BCHA on ncs@bcha.org.uk or call 01202 410550.