Meet Shellby, who with NCS at Blackpool FC Community Trust, has been boosting the morale of a Children’s Hospice for Christmas
Shellby Meehan, 17, from Blackpool, took part in NCS during Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Autumn Programme. After acquiring new skills and confidence through her NCS experience, Shellby has since embarked upon a journey to encourage some well needed Christmas cheer for children less fortunate.
As a part of NCS, Shellby undertook a social action project with other young people as they banded together to create a project which will positively impact their local community.
Shellby’s group were keen to make a difference and put a smile on people’s faces. They decided to raise vital funds for Brian House, a children’s hospice based in Blackpool, by organising and completing a sponsored walk. The team also sourced and bought presents to donate to the children at the hospice as additional Christmas presents.
Shellby, who is a Travel and Tourism student at Blackpool and the Fylde College, took part in an engaging Autumn programme covering a range of activities such as canoeing, high ropes, Jacob’s ladder, escape rooms and Go Ape. The activities are designed to increase the participant’s confidence, teamwork and leadership skills whilst encouraging social mixing.
In addition to the adrenaline-fueled activities, Shellby attended workshops delivered by industry specialists such as Loudspeaker (Enterprise, Public Speaking and Presenting), First Aid and Independent Living (money management).
Shellby felt that the range of activities she undertook with NCS, helped her in improving her problem-solving skills and the ability to challenge herself. Shellby had some initial doubts about taking part in NCS, but those doubts evaporated quickly.
“Upon being introduced to NCS I originally thought to myself no, this is not for me at all, but I thought about it more and I spoke to my mum and other people I knew about it, who encouraged me to join. I decided to go out of my comfort zone and I chose to take part in NCS.”
“My NCS experience has been amazing, it has built up my confidence levels and I have made some amazing new friends.”
“For those that are thinking about doing NCS I would say do it, because it’s a once in lifetime opportunity, you learn so much about yourself and other people”.
After having an incredible time on NCS whilst attaining new skills and building her confidence, Shellby plans to join Blackpool Community Trust’s Changemakers group to continue to make a positive impact to the people and community of Blackpool.
“I decided to join Changemakers, because after being on NCS it gave me the chance to see if there is anything more that I can do, as I had such a great time on the course. So, I asked Blackpool if there was anything else I could get involved in, in which is when I was informed on Changemakers.”
By joining the Changemakers at Blackpool FC Community Trust, Shellby will continue to gain real life experience, take part in social action, look after her community, create career opportunities and make her C.V shine. With all this in store, there is no limit to what Shellby can do in the future.
