NCS Grads get their voices heard at Commonwealth Forum alongside Prince Harry

Four teenagers from Yorkshire and Humber have had their voices heard at the Commonwealth Youth Forum this week in London.

Leonie Hudson (Barnsley), Libby Smith (Doncaster), Emma Thompson (Rotherham) and Benjamin Larsen (Hull) have been invited to this week’s Commonwealth Youth Forum to represent the National Citizen Service. All four are graduates from the NCS programme which they took part in with their local football club through EFL Trust.

The Commonwealth Youth Forum provides an opportunity for the young people of the Commonwealth to build cross-cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing its young people, and agree youth-lead initiatives to influence decision makers and ensure young people have a voice in its future.

Prince Harry was a guest at this year’s forum after being announced as the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and said: “Young people are the answers for the challenges we face”.

The young people will build skills and network, discuss issues, and make recommendations to decision-makers at the highest levels of government.

Benjamin from Hull said “This weekend has been surreal. Meeting all these amazing people from around the world was amazing. NCS has provided me with an opportunity that few are fortunate to receive. The weekend has provided me a chance to test the waters of taking on the role of a leader and I believe it to be a valuable stepping point to more similarly amazing opportunities”.

Tony Buck, Youth Engagement Officer at EFL Trust “This a great opportunity for our NCS grads to be the voice of the youth. They will be discussing global issues with influential people and inputting into the future plans which is not something a young person can often say. NCS grads are continuously proving the stereotype of young people is wrong”

NCS is a government backed programme to help build a more cohesive, mobile and engaged society. NCS is a platform to bring young people together from different backgrounds for a unique shared experience, to help them become better individuals, and give them a voice in today’s world.

To find out more about NCS click here