Sir Gavin Williamson attended a National Citizen Service (NCS) programme in Coven and learned about participants’ experiences of the programme.
Sir Gavin visited the programme in Laches Wood and met with Amanda Best, Chief Operating Officer for NCS Trust. He joined the students in an axe throwing activity and spoke with them about their experiences and his role as a Member of Parliament.
Established in 2011, NCS is a voluntary social and personal development programme for young people in England and Wales. It commences with a residential visit consisting of five days of life skills and adventure activities, followed by a social action project within the community. The programme in Laches Wood involves up to 120 young people (aged 16-17) from schools across the Midlands.
Sir Gavin said: “It was a pleasure to visit the NCS programme in Laches Wood and speak to such bright and ambitious young people. NCS is a great opportunity for our younger generation to develop independence, confidence and community spirit. I greatly enjoyed my visit to the programme, and strongly urge all young people in Staffordshire to take up this opportunity.”
Amanda Best said: “We were delighted to welcome Sir Gavin to our South Staffordshire NCS programme at Laches Wood. He boldly participated in an axe throwing activity and spent time chatting to young people about NCS. It was great that he shared his own experience of public speaking following a recent session the young people had enjoyed and they were interested in his encouragement to contact their local MP on local issues that matter to them.”
