WHAT DOES NCS INVOLVE?

Working in teams of new friends, your teen will experience a wealth of exciting new challenges and experiences. These have been designed to provide them with life skills that are invaluable to their future. The NCS info below is designed to answer any questions you may have.

Phase One

In the first phase of NCS, your son/daughter will live away from home in an outdoor activity centre in teams of 12 to 15 young people. They’ll experience a wide range of team-building outdoor activities, including:

• Abseiling,
• Canoeing,
• High & Low Ropes,
• Archery,
• Zip wires
• Orienteering.

Phase Two

In the second phase, they’ll be closer to home (Summer project only, at a local residential). Here they will have the opportunity to work with local businesses, meet MPs and community leaders, learn media/presenting skills, journalism, project planning, budgeting and other important life skills.

Phase Three & Four

Phase 3 & 4 they are back home, but continue to work with their team to give something back to their community. They do this by planning and delivering a Local Community Social Action project.

Graduation Night

The NCS Graduation Night is held once the project is complete. Family and friends can attend this event. We invite MPs. Local Councillors, Businesses and Community Groups who have been involved in each project and the students are presented with their NCS Graduation certificate signed by the Prime Minister along with their Vinspired V30 volunteering certificate. The students are involved in presenting the evening.

PARENTS INFORMATION

SAFETY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

As a company we are fully committed to the safety, health and well-being of all the young people who come on our NCS projects. We need to be sure that we have as much relevant detail as possible about your child before we take them on the programme. You will need to complete a Medical Consent Form. Please complete the consent form carefully so we have clear information on any medical and dietary needs. We may follow through with a home visit if needed to gather more information and will meet with you on our Drop-In Days prior to the project start dates to check and add to this information.

SPECIAL NEEDS

We aim to include every eligible young person on our programme regardless of need or disability. If your child has a specific needs, disability or serious medical condition then usually we are able to accommodate them. We can arrange to access additional support to ensure meaningful and enjoyable participation. We will work with you to best meet the needs of your young person.

MEDICATION

If your son/daughter is taking prescribed medication we will store it in a locked cabinet and give them access to it at the required times. They can only bring over the counter medication e.g. Paracetamol with your written permission – again we will lock this away and allow access as required. Our staff are not allowed to give out or purchase any over the counter medication for your son/daughter. In case of need or short supply we will contact you.

INHALERS

If your son/daughter uses an inhaler they will be responsible for managing it and must take it with them at all times, especially whenever they go offsite for visits or activities. As they will be away for up to 5 days at a time they need to ensure they have enough medication in their inhalers with them so please check before departure.

ALLERGIES

If your child has a specific allergy then we can make the necessary provision as far as dietary requirements are concerned. If the allergy is connected with the environment we expect them to take reasonable precautions to manage their own risk. e.g. active avoidance, taking medication etc.

EPIPENS

Staff at activity centres and our team leaders are first aid trained and can administer treatment via epipen if required. However, we will discuss this with you. Your child must be responsible for carrying their own epipen at all times and we will need you to provide us with an additional one.

DIETARY NEEDS

The catering staff at our residential centres are extremely good at providing for diverse dietary needs. As long as we know in advance provision will be made, including religious observance.

ILLNESS AND ACCIDENT

If your child complains of feeling unwell during a residential we will inform you immediately. They will not be given any medication /treatment without your permission. If necessary, your child may need to be collected by you until they are better and can return. During an outdoor activities programme it is inevitable that young people may have a few minor bumps and scrapes. However, if first aid is required you will be informed once it has been administered. In the event of accident or emergency, you will be informed immediately once emergency services have been called to attend. The Operations Director will make and keep contact with you and make arrangements for you to attend or for your young person to come home if necessary.