During the course of this summer, 285 young individuals from across the Barnsley region have taken part in our National Citizen Service programme. Our recruitment process started in January and continued until June involving members of staff visiting participating schools and colleges delivering information sessions, assemblies and P.E lessons.

27^th June, 2016 saw the first wave leave for their adventure to YHA Wilderhope in Shropshire, the 2^nd wave went to YHA Hawkshead and Langdale, 3^rd wave to YHA Patterdale and the final wave to YHA Haworth.

This was the start of a fun filled and exciting adventure which saw YP’s embark on activities such as Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Gorge Scrambling, Mountain Biking and Kayaking. The activities tested their strength and challenged their fears.

The 2^nd week of residential was a journey of independence and stayed at Huddersfield and Sheffield student halls of residence. They budgeted for their weekly food, shopped at the local store and were responsible for cooking their own food.

Weeks 3 and 4 were based in and around the community. The YP’s decided on a worthy cause that they would like to support and contacted local businesses to raise funds to help them complete the project. The most popular fund raising opportunities came in the form of supermarket bag packing, which always raises amazing amounts of money. Car washing and sponsored walks were also popular.

We had a variety of projects over the summer, examples being:-

1. Renovating an old caretakers house at Oakhill Primary School
2. Mencap outdoor area creating an enriching outdoor space for service users
3. Elm Court Sheltered Housing in Worsbrough, making raised beds and gardening and a tea party with the residents.
4. Phoenix Park underpass, creating a mural and spraying with anti-graffiti paint.

The programme was completed with a certificate and awards giving Graduation evening for participants and parents.

We would like to thank the following for all their help for making Summer 2016 NCS a great success:

• MP Dan Jarvis
• MP Michael Dugher
• Cllr Tim Cheetham
• Cllr Jenny Platts
• Tesco (Community section)
• Barnsley Volunteering Befriending Service
• Stronger, Safer and Healthier Communities
• Love Where You Live
• Big Local
• Clean and Green
• National Volunteering Service
• Quality Save
• Co-op Mapplewell
• Iceland
• Poundstretcher

The National Citizen Service (abbreviated to NCS) is a British voluntary personal and social development programme for 16- and 17-year-olds in England and Northern Ireland. find out more at http://www.ncsyes.co.uk  If you would like to get involved in our National Citizen Service Programme you can contact us on 01226 211333 or alternatively call 01226 211333