The Prime Minister's announcement for 16 year olds to take part in National Citizen Service (NCS) pilots next summer, has been given a cautious welcome by the sector.

Government-backed pilots for the scheme will start next summer and will provide around 10,000 places.

Aimed at school leavers aged 16, the pilots will take place from June to September, following the end of the exam period, and will last for seven to eight weeks.

NCS aims to give every 16 year old the chance to learn new skills that will help them to make a positive contribution to their community.

The Prime Minister said: "There is a tragic waste of potential in this country today. The young people of this country are as passionate and idealistic as any generation before - perhaps more passionate. But too many teenagers appear lost and feel their lives lack shape and direction.

"National Citizen Service will help change that. A kind of non-military national service, it’s going to mix young people from different backgrounds in a way that doesn’t happen right now. It’s going to teach them what it means to be socially responsible. Above all it’s going to inspire a generation of young people to appreciate what they can achieve and how they can be part of the Big Society."

Activities are expected to include an outdoor challenge, a set of structured tasks involving visiting and helping the local community and developing skills and, in consultation with local communities, designing a social action task.

NCS is a key part of the Big Society agenda, as set out by the Prime Minister in Liverpool on Monday, and will involve a programme of activities designed to introduce young people to the concept of civic responsibility as they make the transition into adulthood.

The pilots will bring people from different backgrounds together in a residential and home-based programme of activity.

Participants will spend a minimum of ten days and nights away from home, to give them the opportunity to develop life skills and resilience and to serve their community.

The Government hopes to be able to offer outstanding NCS graduates the opportunity to take part in a programme of social action projects in developing countries.

Responding to the Government’s announcement, Stephen Bubb, CEO of ACEVO said: “We all agree that volunteering can be an important right of passage for young people to become active citizens.

"Charities have been providing these opportunities for centuries but now a lot of them are under threat because of spending cuts. At a time when charities are already bearing the brunt, the government’s priority ought to be supporting the charity sector we have already.

"When it comes to schemes like this we have learned from experience that one size doesn’t fit all, particularly when supporting the most disadvantaged young people.”

Sir Stuart Etherington, chief Executive of NCVO, added: "The National Citizen Service will be a very positive catalyst for engaging young people in their communities and inspiring them to carry on volunteering throughout their lives.

"The initiative has been developed in collaboration with voluntary organisations and is a good example of how the sector can play its part in delivering the Big Society."

National Citizen Service will:

Build cohesion and a better understanding of others - all young people participating in the scheme will be offered a common experience, wherever they live, whatever their background and the opportunity to mix with young people from difference backgrounds.

Encourage team work - there will be a residential element of the programme in which young people will work together, undertaking activities that stretch them and bond them together as a team.

Challenge young people - they will work together to create social action projects that contribute to the local community and help them to experience the impact that they can make in their areas.

Celebrate success - the scheme will end in a graduation ceremony for those who successfully complete it.

Responding to the plans, Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, executive director of the UK’s leading volunteering charity, CSV, said: "2010 is a historic turning point and a timely moment to look at nationwide community service in a fresh light.

"The crisis in care for frail elderly people who would prefer to remain in their own homes; the growing need for support for families under pressure; the alarming drop out rates from higher education and the escalating rate of youth unemployment reinforces the benefits to our young people and to our communities of a year of full-time service for 18 year olds. Finland, France, Germany, Israel and Italy have all taken the plunge. Why not here and now?"

UK volunteering charity, CSV has over 47 years experience of enabling young people to volunteer in their communities.

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