Young people on NCS create sensory garden and raise much needed funds for local charity 

As part of MFC Foundation’s (Middleborough Football Club)  NCS programme, young people volunteered for a combined 348 hours as part of their social action projects.

Following a week of team building, taking on the firefighter experience and learning more about their local community, the 26 young people split into two groups to take on two differing social action projects, with equal benefit to those in need around their local community. 

After a visit from a father, Keith Robson, whose son lives with Becker Muscular Dystrophy, one of the groups voted unanimously to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK. To do so, the group set off on a 10 mile sponsored walk from the Riverside Stadium to Redcar Seafront. Following this, the group were responsible for a coffee and cake morning, open to the public at the Bridge Cafe, close by the Riverside Stadium. Not only did the raise awareness for MDUK, but an impressive overall £370 for the charity. 

Keith, who also works for the Foundation said:

“We were truly humbled that the NCS group chose to raise further awareness and funds for MDUK as part of their social action project.”

“At the coffee morning my son Henry was their special guest and was made to feel so welcome by the group. Each and every one of them should be proud of their achievements and I know everyone at MDUK is overwhelmed by their efforts.”

Maddy, one of the members of the group emphasised how much helping Keith, Henry and their family meant to her.

“It was so good to help a local family by doing a sponsored walk and hosting a coffee morning.”

The second group of young people worked on a community site in partnership with Middlesbrough Environment City. The site is primarily for groups with different needs, such as carers, parent groups, those with learning difficulties, mental health issues and sensory issues. 

Middlesbrough Environment City visited the group during their NCS summer programme to discuss the potential social action projects they could embark on to help the community of Grove Hill. The young people decided they wanted to take a hands on approach to their social action project and build an area that would allow people to relax.

In order to address the needs of these groups in society, the young people created a sensory garden that included making tyre planters, planting flowers & herbs, building benches from pallets as well as general maintenance such as weeding the area in order for the site to be in the best condition for the groups to enjoy.

Amber, one member of the group said:

“It has been very fulfilling to work with Middlesbrough Environment City to improve our local area, and so that other people can connect with each other and talk about their feelings.”

Sarah Lattaway, Community Actions Coordinator at Middlesbrough Environment City, spoke of her pride in seeing the approach of the young people in their social action project. 

“It has been heartwarming to see all of the young people’s enthusiasm for the project. The hard work they have put in will hugely help the community of Grove Hill and the rest of Middlesbrough. It’s been a pleasure to work with them all and I look forward to working with them again in the future”.

 

This summer, thousands of young people are set to take part in the NCS programme through the EFL Trust’s network. In two weeks they will mix with new people from different backgrounds, pick up some invaluable life skills and get the confidence and self-belief to reach their potential.

To find out more visit wearencs.com.