Piloting ground-breaking National Citizen Service

 

 

During their eight-week volunteer programme the group of 16-year-olds will face tough physical challenges, attend a two-week residential programme and help develop social action projects.

The pilot for this Government initiative is being led locally by Southend and Basildon Positive Futures - a national youth inclusion project which targets young people with activities aimed at motivating and engaging them into a positive lifestyle.

If the pilot is successful it will be rolled out across the country.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis, said: "Positive Futures is supported by the Council and we would like to congratulate the scheme for piloting this very valuable project.

"This is a terrific life-changing opportunity for the young people taking part. They have all volunteered to be involved and are all from different backgrounds.

"They will meet each other for the first time on Friday evening at a barbecue in Wat Tyler Park and will then go on to a residential course in East Sussex for lots of Outward Bound-type activities and team-building.

"Later in the project they will be helping with various community activities. We wish them all the best for the coming weeks and very much look forward to seeing how this pilot develops. Others across the country will be watching too, and will want to follow the lead."