Henry Smith MP has given his support to the National Citizen Service (NCS) National Day of Action on Saturday, 5th March.

NCS is delivered locally by the Crawley Town Community Foundation, and Henry attended their programme of events at the Ball Court outside the Checkatrade.com Stadium ahead of Reds’ 1-1 draw with Morecambe.

Henry said;

“I’m always pleased to support NCS here in Crawley and was grateful for the chance to have a go at what the scheme involves – having a go on the obstacle course was harder than I expected but great fun at the same time!

“I was delighted to attend the launch and graduation ceremony of the Community Foundation’s first NCS scheme last year – I was honoured to be asked to present the young people taking part with their certificates upon completing the programme.”

NCS is a programme open to 15 to 17-year-olds. It is designed to encourage personal and social development through a range of activities and projects requiring leadership, teamwork and communication.

In January 2016, the Prime Minister announced the expansion of NCS across the country. The Government will be ensuring more than £1 billion goes towards the initiative over the course of the next four years, meaning that by 2021 it will cover 60 per cent of all 16 year olds.

Henry continued;

“I also want to thank the Crawley Town Community Foundation for coming to my Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair at the Civic Hall last week, to talk to students about the opportunities NCS can provide.

“The Community Foundation are planning ahead for their Spring and Summer Programmes this year, and I would urge anyone aged between 15 and 17 to get in touch. Please feel free to email the Foundation at: [email protected] or call 01233 600142.

“It’s always a pleasure to speak with the Foundation’s helpful and engaging staff who are delivering a range of programmes to help our community, as well as NCS they provide BTEC Sports Diploma courses, Crawley Old Girls (COGs) and Capers, as well as walking football initiatives.”

External links:

Crawley Town Community Foundation
National Citizen Service

Picture courtesy of the Crawley Town Community Foundation