Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, recently had the opportunity to meet up with Walbottle Campus student and constituent Aaron Nicholson, to hear about his voluntary work with National Citizen Service (NCS).  

Aaron – who lives in Dumpling Hall and has been selected to become an NCS national ambassador – was attending a special event in Parliament to celebrate NCS Young Leaders’ achievements.  He is just one of 100 young people chosen from across the country to become an ambassador, from the 80,000 who took part in the NCS programme in 2015.

Established in 2011, NCS is a three week programme that brings together 16 and 17-year olds from a range of backgrounds to face outdoor challenges, learn skills for life and work, extend their social networks and make their mark on the community – spending 30 hours delivering a volunteer project of their choice.

Having been selected as an NCS ambassador, Aaron spent his half-term taking part in an intensive residential leadership programme designed to provide young people with the opportunity to further develop their leadership potential, whilst giving them the skills, insight and ability to help encourage other young people to deliver positive change in their communities through social action. The visit to Parliament was part of this programme.

Catherine said:

‘It was an absolute privilege to meet up with Aaron in Parliament, and hear about the opportunities he’s benefited from through National Citizen Service.

‘He is a really impressive young person, and I don’t think it would be possible to find a better ambassador for NCS, Walbottle Campus or indeed the Newcastle North constituency.’

The NCS programme costs no more than £50 and is free for some, with extra support provided to those with additional needs. More information, including on how to take part, can be found at: http://www.ncsyes.co.uk/