Designer Wayne Hemingway MBE has signed up as an ambassador of National Citizen Service (NCS) in the North East.
NCS, the government-backed personal and social development programme for 16 and 17 year olds, is the fastest growing youth movement since the Scouts started a century ago. 275,000 teenagers have already taken part in the initiative, which runs during school holidays.
Wayne Hemingway said: “It makes sense for me to join as NCS North East’s social action ambassador as we have a shared passion for volunteering opportunities for young people, and empowering community social action.
“I’m looking forward to sharing advice and expertise with the next generation of thrifty entrepreneurs.”
Wayne teams up with NCS ahead of the Festival of Thrift, taking place at Kirkleatham in Redcar on 17th and 18th September. The annual event is a unique celebration of all things thrift; with families finding the fun in learning how to reuse, recycle and upcycle, saving both money and benefiting the environment.
Kim Smith, Contract Director at NCS North East, which is operated by a partnership of vInspired and National Youth Agency, said: “Wayne’s background in DIY, promoting British values and his entrepreneurial and design-led approach to problem solving makes him the ideal regional ambassador and role model for teenagers completing their own thrifty social action projects across the region.
“We’re really pleased to have Wayne on-board as an ambassador.”
Jessica Taplin, CEO, Vinspired said: “It’s really exciting to see someone as high profile as Wayne Hemingway show their support for NCS in the North East.
“In our role as provider of NCS in the region, vInspired has seen first-hand the impact it has on both young people and their communities within the area – which is why it is so important that influential people, such as Wayne, who understand the challenges faced by young people locally continue to back the programme and spread the good word as an ambassador.”
As a partner at the Festival of Thrift event, NCS has enlisted the help of graduates of the programme to volunteer over the weekend. Interested teens will be lending their hand to stage-building, hair and make-up, car parking and everything in between. NCS graduates should contact Aelred Robinson, NCS graduate coordinator, at aelred.robinson@ncsnortheast.
The next chance for teenagers aged 16 or 17 in year 12 or 13 is during the autumn half-term, with departure dates on Friday 21st October and Monday 24th October.
The autumn half-term programme will include a four-day, three-night residential somewhere like the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales, taking part in adrenaline-filled activities. Teenagers will then spend time from a base in their local area building CV-boosting confidence, leadership and communication skills before working with a team to deliver their own community project that makes a real different to their area.
Because of government-backing, no young person will ever pay more than £50 to take part in NCS, with bursaries also available to young people eligible for free school meals.
To express interest or enquire into availability in your area for the autumn NCS programme, parents or teenagers should call 0191 247 4020 or visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk
The Festival of Thrift is taking place on Saturday 17th September and Sunday 18th September, 10am to 5pm, at Kirkleatham in Redcar. Entry is free.