Teesside teenagers have helped shape future services for young people in Tees Valley, as part of a skill-building day at the Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority.
Organised as part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme, the visit to the Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority introduced around a dozen young people to local opportunities and ambitions for the city region.
A series of sessions covered local democracy, careers in education, culture and tourism, as well as media and digital. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also gave a talk and answered questions from the young people.
The Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority is widening opportunities for young people to engage with a wide range of organisations and careers through TEESVALLEYCAREERS.COM. It plans to use the feedback from the young people to shape the development of future services.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It was great to be able to open our doors and welcome National Citizen Service participants so they could learn about what we do, speak to members of the team and get career and skills advice.
“There are so many amazing things going on in the Tees Valley – we are on the up like never before, and I’m sure the young adults that visited us will play a big part in shaping the region’s future and making it even brighter.”
The visit was organised in partnership with youth programme NCS, which aims to equip young people with the skills and experiences they need to fulfil their potential. It encourages young people to step out of their comfort zones, get involved with causes they care about, and make connections with influential community leaders, businesses and organisations.
The NCS group, who are completing the programme with Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation, are now working together to develop and deliver a community project tackling an issue they feel passionate about.
NCS participant Ethan White, 16, of Hartlepool, said: “It was inspiring to hear about everything that’s happening in the Tees Valley and the opportunities here. It’s made us even more determined to help out in our communities, so we can’t wait to get started on our NCS social action project.”
Open to young people aged 15-17 years, NCS takes place over the school holidays. Departure dates for the popular NCS Summer 2019 programme have just been released, with thousands of young people having already secured their place.
The once in a lifetime NCS experience is currently available for just £35 when using code NCS35 to book via NCSYES.co.uk or 0191 247 4020.