Today, Simon Clarke MP visited a National Citizen Service course at Hunley Hall Golf Club, Brotton.
During his visit, Simon was asked some very interesting questions covering a wide range of topics, from Brexit, to the youth vote, as well as questions about his role as an MP: how do MPs make a difference? Who inspired him to enter politics? It was very inspiring to see so many local young people taking a keen interest in politics and actively engaging in helping their community.
National Citizen Service (NCS) in East Cleveland is run by Imagine You Can, who engage with Year 11 and Year 12 pupils and deliver an NCS programme based on individual development, communication and equipping them with skills for the future, irrespective of academic or personal background.
Following today's visit, he is very much looking forward to attending their next event on the 8th August and to future opportunities to give his support to this fantastic initiative.
The 2010 Conservative Party manifesto pledged to introduce the National Citizen Service, providing a programme for 16-year-olds to give them a chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens, mix with people from different backgrounds, and start getting involved in their communities.
The programme has since expanded. The National Citizen Service is now a voluntary programme open to 15 to 17 year olds. It is designed to encourage personal and social development through activities requiring leadership, teamwork and communication. It runs outside of term time in the Spring, Summer and Autumn and involves a number of phases - induction events, team activities, and time away from home developing a social action project to help the community.
Today, NCS participation is at a record level high.
Currently, former Prime Minister David Cameron sits as NCS's Chair of Patrons, continuing to support the initiative he set up whilst in government.