University Centre Shrewsbury supports National Citizen Service initiative

News from our partners University Centre Shrewsbury

The Fun Day organised from Rowley’s House by young people taking part in the National Citizen Service scheme.

The University Centre Shrewsbury team welcomed young people taking part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) scheme to Rowley’s House this summer.

The NCS provides the opportunity for students in years 11 and 12, aged from 15 to 17, to get involved in a team project that helps their community. The initiative helps young people build skills for work and life, while taking on new challenges and meeting new friends.

A total of 13 young people took part in the scheme based at Rowley’s House in Shrewsbury town centre this summer.

The group was based at Rowley’s House for two weeks, and also enjoyed residential trips in Lancashire and north Shropshire.

The group’s chosen project was organising a Fun Day for the Epilepsy Society and Mind which raised almost £400 in total. The Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading provider of epilepsy services and Mind is a mental health charity.

The Fun Day took place at the Square in Shrewsbury on 6 August and included music, a raffle and a bouncy castle.

A graduation event was also held at the Buttermarket in Shrewsbury on 9 August.

Kayce Allcock from the group, who is in year 11, said:

“It’s been really good. It’s pushed all of us in a good way and brought us together.

“Being part of a National Citizen Service project has taught me a lot, from events management to people skills, and helped me to gain confidence for the real world.

“Everyone at University Centre Shrewsbury has been really welcoming and we’ve really enjoyed our two weeks at Rowley’s House.”

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury Deputy Provost, added:

“We were delighted to be able to share our facilities to support young people taking part in the National Citizen Service initiative.

“It was great to see them using Rowley’s House to organise an event for the community. They should be extremely proud of the fantastic Fun Day they organised and the money they raised for two causes we know are close to their hearts.”

The NCS government scheme was run by Shropshire Council in the county this summer.

Rowley’s House is University Centre Shrewsbury’s administrative base. The building also provides seminar rooms and an information point.

For further information on the NCS go to www.ncsyes.co.uk.