An NCS volunteer from Gateshead played a key role during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant celebrations and is encouraging other young people to give back to their community this summer and beyond.
16-year-old Jake Curbison, from Teams, travelled to London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant celebrations. His volunteering role involved supporting pageant guests by handing out gifts and ensuring visitors were catered for.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I jumped at the chance to be part of history,” said Newcastle College student Jake, who was invited to be a volunteer at the pageant with NCS (National Citizen Service).
“I don’t think we’ll experience a platinum jubilee again so experiencing it first hand, having the chance to be a part of the day and meeting people who I wouldn’t usually speak to, were by far the most exciting elements.”
Jake’s volunteering CV is impressive. He is a young ambassador at Gateshead Council, where he represents the voice of young people; also volunteers for the NHS in palliative care; attends events with St.John Ambulance as a first-aider; and is Chair of the North Regional Youth Forum. On top of all that, he also works part-time at a restaurant alongside studying law, criminology and policing at college.
This summer is shaping up to be another busy time for Jake. He’ll be in his local area providing first aid support with St.John Ambulance and is looking forward to attending a large conference with Young Professionals.
Last summer Jake took part in NCS, the country’s flagship youth programme for 16-17 year olds. The NCS summer programme includes time away from home, taking part in adventurous activities, and picking up life skills before returning to your area and doing good in the community.
Spaces on NCS’ Summer ‘22 programme are now very limited. Available to all 16 and 17-year-olds during the summer holidays, the two-week experience costs no more than £50, with financial support available too. Find out more at wearencs.com
Jake added: “If you have the option to do NCS, take it. NCS provides you with the opportunity to meet new people, take part in fun activities and can lead to even more great experiences such as my involvement at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”