From NCS Graduate to NCS Leader

NCS is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people between the ages of 15-17. For some young people the opportunities the programme offers can be truly life changing. A perfect example of this has been recently demonstrated by one of Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT)’s recent graduates, Hannah Darroch.

Since graduating from NCS in the spring of 2016 Hannah has been on an amazing journey with NCS! Following her graduation Hannah returned in summer 2016 to volunteer alongside a new cohort of young people. This gave Hannah a unique insight into the world of an NCS Leader, an experience she called invaluable, as she was able to contribute to the programme in a whole new way.

Following the summer of 2016 Hannah went on to apply, along with 1,667 other young people to take part in the annual NCS Leader’s programme. This programme is open to just 100 NCS Graduates from across that country and designed to inspire participants  to continue the positive work in their local communities. Against the odds Hannah was offered the opportunity to take part and represent CACT on a national scale.

Andy Carpenter – Head of Social Action and Enterprise said: 

“It is fantastic to see Hannah continuing on her journey with NCS and we are delighted that she was chosen to represent CACT at Leaders week in autumn. Alongside her team Hannah delivered a really impactful social action project and it is great that this has inspired her to continue making a positive impact in her local community!”

Throughout the week Hannah took part in debates, training for interviews, team-building activities and more. Her highlight of the week was visiting The Houses of Parliament to meet local MPs and receive speeches by the Chair of the National Citizen Service and the previous Leaders’ Alumni.

However the journey continued. Following on from the Leaders Programme Hannah accompanied the Director of Marketing at NCS to BBC Broadcasting House in London where she was interviewed live on radio for various local BBC stations. During which Hannah was able to give her own opinion on some research conducted by NCS about parents checking the phones and social media feeds of young people.

Finally Hannah has become one of CACT’s NCS School Ambassadors helping to arrange marketing events in her school, and coordinate the signing up of other young people to NCS in her school.

Hannah Darroch – NCS Leader said:

“National Citizen Service has become more than I could have ever anticipated and I want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to experience the programme as it really can make a positive impact on your life.”

Click here to find out more about the NCS Programme at Charlton Athletic Community Trust >>>

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