Busy summer for big-hearted Rotherham teens

Over 300 teens aged 16 to 17 spent three weeks of their summer holidays learning skills and making new friends on the National Citizen Service youth programme.

One group of 11, dubbed Team Reunight, created their own social action project and renovated a building for Social Eyes, a community based group in Rawmarsh that supports adults with Autism and learning difficulties.

Team Reunight funded their own renovation of the building by doing a sponsored three-legged walk around Rotherham. They raised enough money to buy all the tools they needed and received a paint donation from Crown Paint.

The group met for the first time three weeks ago at an outdoor adventure centre in Malham, where they spent a week trying activities such as abseiling and raft building. They then learned how to cook and budget for themselves, as well as developing new life skills, including first aid training.

Chloe Jackson was among the group. She said: “One of my highlights was creating our project for Social Eyes which involved working with Casper, who is a spray artist from Sheffield, to create a design on the wall.

“It was amazing to be able to see the project through and realise the huge difference we can make if we put our minds to it – the sense of achievement at the end when we completed the revamp was something I’d never experienced before and it really bonded the group. I’d definitely encourage other young people to give it a go.”

She added: “This has been the most incredible summer. I had so much fun, tried something new every day and met new people who I can’t wait to meet up with again.”

Chloe and Team Reunight have now been invited back to the unveiling of the community centre on 20th August, and will support Social Eyes further by helping with a raffle.

NCS has spaces available for activities in the autumn holidays costing no more than £50, which covers the entire experience from food and accommodation to activities and travel, with bursaries available on a case by case basis.

To register interest visit www.ncsyes.co.uk.