C+K and The Brunswick Centre awarded NCS grant

C+K have announced a new community experience programme funded by NCS (National Citizen Service) that will support LGBTQ+ young people in Calderdale and Kirklees.

The grant is part of a significant £20m funding package that NCS Trust have awarded to organisations across England for the delivery of community-based experiences at a local and grassroots level.

These new experiences will complement NCS’ existing away from home residential offer by providing more opportunities for teenagers to engage in local activities that foster skills development, deepen their understanding of the community, and empower them to contribute positively to its improvement.  The grants will also support organisations that cater to specific groups of young people who may not have participated in previous NCS initiatives.

In collaboration with the National Youth Agency and StreetGames, NCS assessed more than 400 applications and C+K and The Brunswick Centre's application was selected as one of around 100 organisations to receive funding.

The grant will allow C+K and The Brunswick Centre to deliver a NCS programme of employability workshops and work placements to a group of LGBTQ+ young people. The programme will engage with local employers and look to raise employability skills, self-confidence and the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experiences.

Martin Green, CEO at C+K said, "C+K are delighted to be working with The Brunswick Centre to deliver a NCS programme. The funding will allow us to design and deliver a programme tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people and to support them to develop much needed-life and employability skills."

John Mckernaghan, Chief Officer at The Brunswick Centre, said "This funding provides a fantastic opportunity for The Brunswick Centre to partner with C+K for the benefit of LGBTQ+ young people. Our exciting and engaging programme will provide a rewarding experience with valuable guidance and crucial support."

Mark Gifford, CEO of NCS Trust, added: “I am delighted to welcome a diverse range of local, grassroots and community organisations from across the youth sector to deliver reimagined NCS experiences. This allows us to reach more young people than ever before, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and perspective to become work ready and world ready. Additionally, our grants for targeted experiences will enable us to reach underserved young people and communities.”

Gifford added, “Together, we will work towards creating a country of confident, connected, caring citizens where everyone feels at home.”

Over the past decade, more than 800,000 young people have benefitted from an NCS experience, dedicating over 18 million hours to community based social action, while gaining invaluable life experiences.

To find out more about the project, or if you are an employer keen to get involved in our NCS programme, please contact Joel Robinson, Business Development Manager at C+K, joel.robinson@ckcareers.org.uk