Service description:
The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a voluntary personal and social development programme for 15–17 year olds in England and Northern Ireland, funded largely by money from the UK Government. The scheme takes place in the spring, summer, or autumn (coinciding with school holidays) and usually consists of:
• Phase 1 (‘Adventure’): Five days at an outdoor activity centre
• Phase 2 (‘Discovery’): Work experience and mentoring
• Phase 3 (‘Social Action’): Run a local social action project
• Phase 4 (‘Celebration’): A special 'graduation' event
Volunteers usually pay £50 each to take part in the scheme, but there are bursaries for those from low-income households.