"This is one of the best things I've ever done"
(NCS 2014 Graduate)
Introducing...
National Citizen Service - the adventure of a lifetime!
Welcome to NCS. You're now part of something
BIG! Thousands of young
people will be a part of NCS this year. You'll all
benefit from new adventures, new friends and new
skills; and because we're now recognised by UCAS
and employers you'll find that more and more
opportunities will become open to you.
This pack should give you all the information you
need to prepare for your adventure. We're so excited
to have you on board!
Your local provider – Youth Action Wiltshire
What can you expect from Youth Action Wiltshire whilst participating in NCS?
We have been successfully delivering NCS since its beginning in 2011. As a charity
we have been actively supporting young people in Wiltshire for over 60 years. We are
proud to say that are NCS delivery has been highlighted as outstanding by the National
NCS Trust and pride ourselves on our ability to bring together young people from all
walks of life and abilities from different parts of the county. You can check us out and
the work we do at www.youthactionwiltshire.org
What will I get out of NCS with Youth Action Wiltshire?
Along with making new friends and having a life changing experience, we are committed to ensuring you
are developing skills to help you with your future. Along with your NCS Graduate certificate signed by
the Prime Minister you will also be able to work towards accredited awards including.
An Emergency First Aid Certificate, A Day Sports Leaders Award, an ASDAN Leadership Certificate
and a National V50 Certificate.
Please take a moment to view short films from 2014, 2013 and 2012
which show some NCS highlights, these were all made by young
people taking part in NCS with Youth Action Wiltshire. This will
hopefully give you a better understanding of what your NCS
experience with Youth Action Wiltshire could look like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J74s_rXoah4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hr6e2bghF0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22BIx8VSlpw
"I would recommend it to anyone!
An absolutely amazing experience!"
What's next
You're all signed-up, so there are only two things you need to do:
Get your kit sorted - as you'll be doing loads of activities you'll need to be appropriately suited and
booted. There's a full kit list included later in this pack.
Transport, food and logistics - Youth Action Wiltshire provides transport from your home or
from a pick up point at a central location in your town. We discuss your transport needs prior to you
starting and your needs are always met by our dedicated staff team. You will always be informed of
your pick up and drop off times in advance. As Wiltshire is very rural we aim to ensure we run activities
in a central location but will always provide you with free transport.
Food is also provided free of charge. You may happily bring your own food or drink if you wish
however we provide buffet style food at every activity and aim to cater for any dietary requirements,
please let us know these in advance.
Invite a friend
Why not get your friends to apply for NCS too? Remember, they may not
end up in the same team as you! It's really easy, just tell them to:
Text "NCS + your name + postcode" to 60777
Email NCS.west@reed.co.uk
Visit NCSwest.co.uk
"If I could do it again next week, I would"
How it works
Your adventure is split into different sections. First you’ll have an action-packed time making new friends
away from home, then begin mastering new skills, and finally you’ll put everything you've learnt into
planning and then delivering improvements to your community.
The great outdoors
When: Monday 20th July –Friday 24th July
Where: Manor Adventure, Culmington Manor, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9BY
Website: www.manoradventure.com/culmington-manor.php
You'll be doing things like abseiling, hiking, assault courses and rafting by day, and sleeping in tents or
dorms at night. You'll be learning how to work in a team, developing leadership and teamwork skills, and
pushing yourself to achieve goals.
This is the most adventurous bit of NCS,
and it's where you'll meet the rest of your team
for the next three stages. Everyone will need to
work together using their strengths as a team and
individually to beat challenges. You'll discover
talents you didn't know you had, make strong
bonds with all your teammates, and make some
friends for life.
Back on home turf
When: Monday 27th July – Friday 31st July 2015
Where: Oxenwood Activity Centre, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3NQ
Website: www.oxenwoodcentre.co.uk
After having the weekend to recover from your adventurous first week, you'll be back with your team and
staying away from home again. For this part of the programme your activities will be focused on
developing new skills, learning about local organisations and increasing your independence.
Through doing problem-solving and team-building exercises you'll learn a lot about what your strengths
and weaknesses are, and how you can put them to best use.
"We learnt various skills such as First
Aid – this part of
NCS was inspiring and character-changing."
Kit list
As you'll be doing lots of different outdoor and active stuff, we advise
you bring the following with you in a 30-60 litre rucksack:
Sleeping bag
T-shirts
Jumpers
Jacket/hoodie
Tracksuits/jeans
Trainers
Socks & underwear
Pyjamas
Cap/hat
Waterproofs
Swimming kit
Bath towel
Toiletries
Your medication
Water bottle
Dirty clothes bag
And any non-essentials like:
Painkillers
Insect repellent
Plasters
Sunglasses
Notepad & pen
Bursaries
As a charity Youth Action Wiltshire choose to fundraise to cover the cost of your NCS participant fee.
We are committed to investing in young people so your whole experience will be absolutely free,
including transport to and from sessions and food during activities.
"You put so much in
and you get so much out"
Plan for success
Transform your community with your team! Together you’ll plan
and action a part-time project that benefits your local area.
You have the power to choose who you want to help, what local businesses should get involved, and how
you are going to fund and promote it.
Whether it’s a fashion show or music concert to raise money for charity, or saving your local rivers from
pollution - there are so many projects your team can choose from. It’s your call!
How long will I do this for?
Spring - 30 hours part-time over five weeks (inc. doing the project)
Summer - five consecutive days
Autumn - 30 hours part-time over five weeks (inc. doing the project)
"NCS helped me to know myself better"
Make a Difference
Now is your chance to put into action
everything that you've learned from day
one, when you go out and complete your
project.
Local residents, businesses, MPs and most importantly
young people like you are all
really impressed by how NCS enables you
to help your community. You'll feel
incredible helping where you are needed!
How long will I do this for?
Spring - up to 30 hours part-time over
five weeks (inc. planning)
Summer - 30 hours over three weeks
Autumn - up to 30 hours part-time
over five weeks (inc. planning)
The work you do will also be recognised
by universities and employers, because
NCS is now in UCAS Form Guidance and
very attractive to apprenticeship
providers.
Check
out...
loads of stories from last
www.ncsyes.co.uk/stories for some really inspiring ideas!
years'
NCSers
at
What Helena did to make a difference….
We created a fundraising event with a movie,
bake sale and lots of small competitions.
We were raising money for Teenage Cancer
Trust as a member of my group had a relation
who had cancer.
I never liked speaking in front of people, and
even at the start of NCS it made me a little
nervous. I did not want our team to look bad, so I overcame my fear and started speaking in front of
people.
Graduation...
It’s your time to shine! Once you've successfully completed your
NCS adventure you and your parent or guardian will be invited to an amazing graduation and celebration
garden BBQ party to celebrate everything that you've achieved. It’s an opportunity to congratulate the rest
of your team, Say well done to other NCS teams and see all our Youth Action Wiltshire projects. Cement
your friendships and pick up your certificate signed by the PM and all your other accreditation you have
achieved.
...and beyond
This is just the start. Being an NCS graduate is a big part of the journey and can open up lots of doors from opportunities in volunteering and graduate associations to direct employment.
If you've been inspired by what you've achieved - or simply want to use your new contacts to get ahead
with a job or internship - then you can become a member of a Graduate Association. This can provide you
with training and advice for you to help communities across your region; and you can also organise an
annual reunion.
Use your NCS skills and experience to improve your CV, and college or university applications.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I have signed up and I now can’t do that date?
A: Youth Action Wiltshire NCS programmes run within a specific timeframe, so you know when you can
plan holidays, family events, or other commitments. We do need you to be available for all phases and
can offer advice on how to engage with an alternative Wiltshire NCS provider if our dates do not match
your needs.
Our Phase 1 begins with the away residential on 20th July - 25th July, Phase 2 is the home residential
28th July - 31st July. Phase 3 is the Fundraising and Social Action Planning stage and will take place over
5 days between 3rd August -7th August. Phase 4 which is the Social Action Delivery will take place over
5 days (which days are dependant on your project) between, 10th-16th August 2015. The graduation and
celebration day will take place on Friday 28th August 2015.
We also offer NCS taster days during Easter and half term school holidays and also offer pre programme
activity days during the first two weeks of July. These provide opportunities where you can meet other
young people who have expressed an interest in taking part, our staff and Ambassadors. These taster
days are often very well attended and include fun activities such as rock climbing, rifle shooting,
mountain biking, raft building, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, baking, carpentry, and team games.
Q: Who leads NCS for Youth Action Wiltshire?
A: Our staff team are full time year round youth workers. This means we are contactable anytime and
may have other youth work programmes you are also interested in.
We have Ambassadors that are selected on merit from the previous involvement as an NCS participant.
Ambassadors help our staff team provide support and guidance to NCS participants as well as running
some activities for your enjoyment. These are young people that are trained in Mental Health
Awareness, First Aid, Behaviour Management, Risk Assessment, and Leadership.
We recently had three NCS graduates from 2014 that were selected to take part in a national NCS
leadership programme. We pride ourselves on supporting young people to become amazing future
leaders.
Q: I am keen to continue NCS graduate opportunities after
completing NCS, What can you offer me?
A: After graduating from NCS with Youth Action Wiltshire you will
have opportunities to engage in a wide variety of volunteering
opportunities if you would like to. This is completely voluntary and
in no way a requirement.
For example; We have a Youth Engagement Group, giving a voice to the young people of Wiltshire about
issues affect them and providing hands on social action projects.
You could take part in other Youth Action Wiltshire programmes become a young leader and help run
sessions at a local youth group. You could decide you want to take part in training to become a youth
mentor to support the delivery of our or partners year round programmes. You may want to support
recruitment for future NCS Wiltshire programmes by attending school events, and fundraising events.
We run an Ambassador programme, Ambassadors are selected on merit from the previous summer NCS
programme to help support, give guidance and run activities for future NCS participant’s enjoyment.
Previous participants on NCS with us have had successful interviews and secured summer camp
counsellor placements with Camp America. One young person went on to secure a paid position working
for NCS as a media and communications advisor. Four young people have been selected to represent
NCS at a national level.
Participation in NCS has also helped young people gain employment and supported UCAS applications.
Q: Will I be allowed to take and use my mobile phone?
A: We want all young people to be able to contact home whenever they want/need to. On some occasions
it may be necessary for you to lock your mobile phone away in a safe place while you are undertaking
activities. However, you will have regular and daily access to phones.
Got more questions? Take a look at our FAQs at ncsewest.co.uk, or there are answers galore and people
happy to help at facebook.com/NCSwest and NCSwest.co.uk/FAQs or get in touch!
Get in touch
Is it safe?
What's the food like?
Where
can I
pray?
0845 460 7410
NCS.west@reed.co.uk
We're NCS East. Come and request a song for your coach trip,
LIKE us for fun prizes, and tell us your top camping tips
Follow @NCSeast, and keep an eye on #NCSeast and
#NCS for fun games and top tips
Your local contact details:
Youth Action Wiltshire
Main contact: Cleo Evans, Youth Programmes Coordinator
Address: Youth Action Wiltshire, Unit C2, Beacon Business Centre, Hopton
Park, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 2EY
Telephone: 01380 729813
Mobile: 07730 812758
e-mail: cleo@youthactionwiltshire.org
web: www.youthactionwiltshire.org/services/youth-volunteering.html
Parents & guardians
Our Policies
All of our policies can also be found on our website: www.ncswest.co.uk/policies
Youth Action Wiltshire is a service provided by Community First and as such is managed by their
policies and procedures.
Transport policy
It is your responsibility to travel to/from meeting points where transport has been pre-arranged, and to
travel directly to/from agreed venues where transport isn't pre-arranged. Where transport hasn't been prearranged you'll be allowed to leave venues without collection; and during the course of the activities you
may be required to undertake travel unsupervised, either by foot or by public transport.
Community First’s recognises its responsibility to ensure that all its vehicles operate safely and within the
law. It will ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, that vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers
have appropriate qualifications.
Code of Conduct Policy
1.
I agree to arrive punctually and co-operate fully at all times with NCS staff, other participants and
any other Organisations involved to help make the project enjoyable and rewarding for all
participants.
2.
I agree to comply with the instructions relating to any clearly defined free time/unsupervised time
during the NCS.
3.
I understand that I will be returned home early and be removed from the NCS programme at my
own expense, in the event of a serious breach of this Code of Conduct or through any other
behaviour deemed by the project staff to be disruptive, or which might bring Youth Action
Wiltshire or its partner organisations into disrepute. This includes involvement with drugs or other
violations of the law.
Health and Safety Policy
Community First expects all employees, volunteers, service users including young people to co-operate in
complying with all legal obligations and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and have
regard for the health and safety of others.
- Is committed to providing the necessary information, instruction and
training to all employees, volunteers, service users and young people
where applicable.
- Acknowledges and actively supports the role and responsibilities
of employee representatives and will give full co-operation to elected
Safety Representatives of recognised Trade Unions to enable them to
carry out their duties effectively.
- Is committed to regular evaluation and review of its Health and Safety Policy to ensure its objectives are
met and, as necessary, to modifying the Policy in light of new legislation and other changing
circumstances.
Educational Visits and Offsite Activities:
Visits and offsite activities must be planned and well managed; staff leading visits and activities must be
competent to lead them. Full risk assessments must be produced and approved prior to the activity
commencing.
Data Protection Policy
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, we have a legal duty to protect any personal data we collect from
you. We use leading technologies and encryption software to safeguard personal data, and keep strict
security standards to prevent any unauthorised access to it.
Access to your information and contacting us
If you wish to see our records of any correspondence you have sent to us, or if you have a query or
complaint about this privacy policy or about the site, you can get in touch with us by emailing
cleo@youthactionwiltshire.org
Changes to this privacy policy
If this privacy policy changes in any way, we will place an updated version on
http://www.ncsyes.co.uk/privacy-policy. Regularly reviewing this page ensures you are always aware of
what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we will share it with
other parties.
Safeguarding Policy
1. Community First believes that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and should be reflected in
every aspect of its work with children and young people.
2. The Policies relates to the following legislation
3. The welfare of every child and young person in contact with the service remains our priority at all
times. This principle is the central tenet of the Children Act 1989 (Children Scotland Act 1995;
Children (Northern Ireland) Order) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2013)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children
4. Community First is committed to promoting the welfare and
safety of all who come into contact with it, regardless of age,
culture, religion, gender, sexuality or disability.
5. Community First will respect the confidentiality of children and
young people within clearly defined boundaries which are
explained to all service users. They should be supported to give
and receive personal information responsibly and in the knowledge
of the possible consequences of doing so with reference to our
Confidentiality Policy.
6. Community First recognises the need for working in partnership (including appropriate information
sharing) with other agencies in order to protect children and young people.
7. Community First will ensure that all staff and volunteers are selected, trained and supported
appropriately.
8. Community First will assess all risks carefully and take all reasonably practicable steps to avoid,
minimise or manage them as appropriate.
9. Children and young people will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. Community First will
support children and young people using its services to tackle behaviour that is characterised by
discrimination, bullying, aggression, intimidation, verbal or physical abuse.
10. Community First will review this policy and the relevant procedures regularly in consultation
stakeholders.
11. Community First will ensure that all staff working with or who come in regular contact with children
and young people will be DBS checked.