NCS Pilot 2011

Eco Challenge Xtra was one of 12 National Citizen Service (NCS)  pilots that took place during summer 2011. NCS is a Big Society initiative, supporting young people from all backgrounds to work together, take on new challenges and make a difference.

Eco Challenge Xtra (ECX)  was a brand new opportunity for young people aged 15 and 16 during the summer. It consisted of 3 weeks of new experiences and a chance to get involved in green issues in the local area. It  was a chance to do something different and make a difference!

Young people from Bradford, Hull, NE Lincolnshire, Manchester, Salford and Tower Hamlets took part in Eco Challenge Xtra.  The programme consisted of a teambuilding and activity based residential at FSC Castle Head, a second residential nearer the participant’s home to introduce the local environment and some skills based training. This was followed by a non residential week when the young people developed and delivered an environmental project and volunteered in their local community.

During the time at Castle Head young people from the different areas socialised together learnt more about their differences and their similarities. Many new friendships were made which have continued

The programme was challenging and demanding but one young person from Bradford summed it by saying   ‘ I don’t think anyone can have had a better summer ... I have learnt things that I will be able to use in my life.’

Parents too commented on how the programme helped their child cope with the transition from school to sixth form. Another parent commented ‘ I have noticed that my son is more able to talk to different people.'

FSC worked in partnership with Action for Blind People (Action) and local partners Volunteering  Bradford, Hull CVS, Futureversity and MYVP to deliver this exciting programme.