Instead of struggling to know what to do with their spare time this summer, teenagers aged 15-17, will respond to the impact Covid-19 has had in their local area by volunteering thousands of hours, to help rebuild their local community with ‘Keep Doing Good’ from NCS (National Citizen Service). Thousands of young people were due to go away this summer on NCS with the aim being to live independently, learn new skills, meet new people and volunteer, to make a positive impact in the community. However, due to the impact of Covid-19, the traditional NCS programme can’t go ahead and young people are instead pledging their time by signing up to ‘Keep Doing Good’.
The two-week programme takes place in August and will see young people volunteer over 16 hours each in their local community. In groups, they will plan and deliver a social action project, leaving a positive impact by supporting local food banks, care homes or helping local charities get back up running. Whatever they decide to do, they will pick up news skills, create positive change and help rebuild their local community.
‘Keep Doing Good’ will be delivered by EFL Trust and its network of local organisations that include Football Clubs, sport charities and youth organisations, all of whom have vast experience and passion to work with young people and give them an opportunity to make positive change. Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will be running the programme in the local area.
Mike Evans, Chief Executive at EFL Trust said: “We’re looking forward to engaging thousands of young people in ‘Keep Doing Good’ this summer. This alternative to NCS is a really exciting opportunity for young people to get involved with and play their part to make positive change in their community. Our network of over 60 delivery partners are eager to support young people and offer them an insightful and safe experience that will also help them develop as well as benefit the community. We want young people to feel more confident and meet new people, as well as feel more connected with their community. ‘Keep Doing Good’ can offer this to them.”
The programme is open for teenagers in school Year 11 and 12 or those who completed the programme last year. Young people can sign up here. For more information, please email the Trust's NCS Manager at [email protected].