# Young people donate cost of cancelled NCS programme to youth support charity

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/07/12/young-people-donate-cost-of-cancelled-ncs-programme-to-youth-support-charity/
- Published: 2021-07-12T09:00:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**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](https://wearencs.com/)‘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](http://www.themix.org.uk) 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.”

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