Young people attend ‘thank you’ BBQ at Downing Street for efforts during pandemic
Two participants from EFL Trust’s National Citizen Service (NCS) programme attended a ‘Thank You Day’ BBQ with Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Number 10 Downing Street on Sunday 4 July.
The young people were invited along with other guests from across the country, for their work in supporting their local communities during the pandemic.
Shamza, a participant from the NCS programme at Bradford City Community Trust, and Elly, a participant from the scheme at Hymers College were thanked for their volunteering and social action projects delivered last summer in Yorkshire and Humber.
Shamza and her team created a mural in Bradford to showcase the diversity of culture within the city while celebrating the efforts of the key workers who have supported the community tirelessly throughout the pandemic. The mural can be seen at key locations in the area including Valley Parade Park and outside Bradford’s train station.
Having signed up to NCS, Elly and her team focussed their project on celebrating key workers from the NHS by regenerating an allotment designed for use by staff during work breaks and as a space to relax.
The BBQ at Number 10 was part of Thank You Day, the UK’s first national day dedicated to paying tribute to those who have made a difference to their communities throughout the pandemic. Along with young people from the NCS initiative, Scouts and celebrity chef Levi Roots also attended the ‘Thank You’ event with the Prime Minister.
The EFL Trust is marking its 10 year anniversary since the launch of its partnership with NCS, delivering life-changing experiences for young people across the country. The programme is delivered by at 64 delivery partners including 41 EFL Club Community Organisations (CCOs), and has engaged more than 65,000 teenagers to date on the programme, helping them to realise their potential, reach their future goals and in-turn, and improve local communities through positive social action.
Reflecting on their evening at Downing Street and being thanked by the Prime Minister, Shamza said:
“Yesterday was amazing – I still can’t believe that it really happened! I spoke with Levi Roots, Sajid Javid and the Prime Minister about the social action project I did with my team in Bradford. The Prime Minster was really encouraging telling us to keep doing good and to be the changemakers this country needs!”
“It was really overwhelming to be part of the first ‘National Thank You Day’ and I’m so grateful to be given this opportunity.”
Elly said:
“I was extremely grateful to have been able to share and talk about our Local Action Group’s project surrounding women’s safety to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. It was also amazing to hear the stories of what the 2 other graduates, Shamza and Tom, had done during their time on NCS, especially during the pandemic. The sheer dedication and impact they had made was unbelievable. Furthermore, I got the chance to meet Levi Roots, NHS workers, Scouts and the founder of ‘Run for Heroes’, Olivia Strong. The passion that these people put into helping others was beyond inspiring and I found myself in awe surrounded by them. Overall, it was a remarkable and surreal day, certainly one I will never forget.”
Places are available for 16 and 17 year olds to sign on to NCS this summer. For more information visit: wearencs.com.
