Young people donate cost of cancelled NCS programme to youth support charity
Melanie May | 12 July 2021 | News
Almost 1,800 teens who were signed up to a National Citizen Service programme but were unable to take part due to the pandemic’s restrictions chose to donate the cost, instead of taking a refund.
The teens were signed up to NCS‘s 2020 summer programme. As a result of the donations, over £60k was donated to The Mix, a charity that provides support for young people. The Mix has seen an increase in demand for its helpline services during the pandemic, with a 42% spike in calls during the first few months of lockdown.
Chris Martin, CEO, The Mix, said:
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“This incredible donation demonstrates once again the positivity of young people in the UK and their desire to change their world for the better. Their generosity meant that The Mix was able to offer even more life-changing support to young people in these difficult times. I’d like to thank NCS and all of the young people and their families that chose to support The Mix and their peers when they needed it most.”
Based on The Mix’s own survey of under 25s during lockdown:
- 90% of young people said they were being kind because they wanted to prevent loneliness and isolation
- 91% of young people have checked in on friends and family to make sure they are ok during lockdown
- 78% of young people said that they felt happier as a result of being kind to others
This year’s NCS summer programme is going ahead. Mark Gifford, CEO of NCS, said:
“We are delighted the donated funds have gone to such a great cause and will help young people in need of support from The Mix. Teens have had a lot to deal with over the last year, as a result of the pandemic. This year, we are pleased that we will be able to run our NCS summer programme, helping thousands of young people reconnect with society post lockdown, meet new friends and learn crucial life skills that will help develop their confidence as young citizens.”
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.