Bradley is given new confidence through NCS

“The skills he has learnt from just those 2 weeks on NCS has given him so much confidence and he relays his experience to people with joy and excitement. Thank you so much to everyone for giving Bradley the opportunity to show him he has the ability to do anything he wants.”

These are the words from the family of Bradley, who completed the NCS programme in Burton this summer. Bradley is autistic meaning he was considerably nervous when joining up with the rest of the NCS group facilitated by Burton Albion Community Trust. Despite worries about the full-on nature of the programme, these concerns would soon be dropped.

After just two days, there was a notable improvement in Bradley’s demeanour and approach to the activities, staff and fellow NCS participants. Bradley quickly developed a reputation for someone who was determined and persistent in each and every activity he engaged with; developing a great relationship with members of staff.

Bradley’s determination and fortitude was on display when an ex-professional athlete spent the day as group mentor. During this, the young people had the opportunity to learn how to ride scooters. Bradley was phased by this at first, but dusted himself off continued to try.

Involving himself in the social action project also posed a challenge for Bradley to overcome. But his new found confidence was enough for him to be forthcoming with any questions, or when he needed to be assigned a new job – participating in every activity. Bradley and his team rejuvenated the Community are of Burton and South Derbyshire College for their social action project, clearing the community way and planting new plants to bring the area to life.

“Bradley was an absolute pleasure to work with, when I first met him I was a little worried with the intensity [of the NCS programmme]” said NCS Programme Lead, Gemma Lanchester.

“With support and encouragement from the staff, you could see him go from strength to strength, having less moments of struggle… It has been lovely to see how much Bradley has developed his personal skill.”

Bradley was part of a group of 15 amazing young people with special educational needs from Fountains School who all have found the past year very challenging and disruptive. Burton Albion Community Trust supported the group through the programme ensuring they had an experience they would never forget.

“NCS has been a really positive experience for this group of learners, they have really surprised us with what they have achieved & they have worked really hard.” said Shafeen Akhtar said, Fountains Head of Post 16.

“They have really enjoyed themselves. We are excited to put a new group through next year.”

Places are available for 16 and 17 year olds to sign on to NCS this summer. For more information visit: wearencs.com.