National Citizen Service deals

Latest Expired Deals

• 

  Summer activity break for 16-17 year old teens for £50 (or free for some)

  Register online via National Citizen Service

  Expired

  If you want to get your teenager doing something fun and productive, you can sign them up for a two-week National Citizen Service (NCS) programme. These include activities and outdoor team-building exercises, a trip away where teenagers can learn life skills, and a community-based social action project. It's usually £50, but can be free for some via a bursary (more on that below).

  You need to live in England and your child must be aged 16 or 17 at the time of the trip (or 18 to 24 with SEND or a disability). It doesn't matter if they're at school or not, but if they've been on an NCS programme before, unfortunately they can't go again. 
  

  Thousands of places are made available when the scheme launches, but when we asked NCS how many were still available, it told us they're limited and selling fast – so it's best to go quick. The programmes will take place during the dates of your local area's summer break and you must book in advance. All food, activities, transport and accommodation are included. 

  

  What's involved?

  • Week one – 'Be Epic' and 'Live Life': Teens will spend four nights (five days) living away from home with their team. Depending on the venue, this could be in dormitory-style accommodation or festival-style tents. During this week, teens will get to know others and build their confidence while taking part in activities such as rock climbing, kayaking and high ropes. Then during the second half of the week, they'll develop life skills including learning how to cook and public speaking/presentation skills. Activities and skills vary between locations.

  • Week two – 'Do Good': During the second week, based back at home, teens will continue to work together and use all the skills developed in the first two phases to organise and deliver a community project of their choice to help make a real and lasting difference to the lives of others.

  

  How to apply

  Enter your details on the National Citizen Service registration page (parents or teenagers can fill it out) and your local provider will contact you to explain more. You can also call the centre directly on 0800 197 8010. Register as soon as possible as once places are gone, they're gone.

  If you miss out this time, you can register your interest for the autumn programme which takes place during the October half-term.

  Can't afford it?

  If you have a low income or are receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get it free with a bursary. NCS says it calculates eligibility for this on a case-by-case basis – you can find out more once registered.

  MSE Laura B says:

  Here's some feedback from previous programmes:

  "My son did this last year and had the best time, he was sorry when it finished, made some fantastic friends and really enjoyed the activities." - Jenny

  "Such a fantastic opportunity. Lots of fresh air. Lots of activities. Off the gaming!! And making life long friendships hopefully." - Sarah

  "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, which your child will enjoy every moment of." - Farnoosh

  "Teenagers need opportunities to shine, and that’s exactly what NCS gave my daughter." - Sharon

  "The change has been wonderful; it’s something that a parent only hopes to witness, their child growing into a better person." - Dawn

  Add your feedback on the National Citizen Service forum thread.

  Share this deal Share Close

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Whatsapp
  • Email

  REGISTER
• 

  Summer activity break for teens £50 or free

  Register online via National Citizen Service, for 16-17-year-olds

  Expired

  The summer break is almost here and if you want to get your teenager doing something fun and productive, you can send them on a two-to-four-week National Citizen Service programme. It includes activities and outdoor team-building exercises, a trip away where teenagers can learn life skills, and a community-based social action project. It's usually £50, but can be free for some via a bursary (more on that below).

  NCS is backed by the government and at the end of the programme, participants will get a certificate signed by the Prime Minister at a celebration ceremony.

  You need to live in England or Northern Ireland and your child must be aged 16 or 17 at the time of the trip. It doesn't matter if they're at school or not, but if they've been on an NCS programme before, unfortunately they can't go again. For other free or cheap ways to entertain teenagers and younger children, see our School Holiday guide.

  Thousands of places are made available but they're going quickly. The programmes will take place during the dates of your local area's summer break and you must book in advance. All food, activities, transport and accommodation is included. 

  What's involved?

  • Phase one: Living with their team at an outdoor activity centre, teens will get to know other people and build their confidence while taking part in activities such as canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling.
  • Phase two: Teens continue to live away from home, typically at local university halls of residence. They’ll learn to be self-sufficient and develop skills including presentation, teamwork and leadership, whilst also finding out more about the needs of their local community.
  • Phase three: Based back at home, teens will continue to work together and use all the skills developed in the first two phases to organise and deliver a community project of their choice to help make a real and lasting difference to the lives of others.
  • Phase four: Teens are rewarded for doing something inspirational in their community. At the end of the NCS experience, they can now get access to potential volunteering opportunities and apprenticeships.

  
  

  How to apply

  Enter your details on the National Citizen Service registration page (parents or teenagers can fill it out) and your local provider will contact you to explain more. You can also call the centre directly on 0800 197 8010.

  Register as soon as possible as once places are gone, they're gone – the cut off is three days before buses depart for your local programme, as long as places are still available.

  If you miss out this time, you can register your interest for the autumn programme which takes place during the October half-term.

  Can't afford it?

  If you have a low income or are receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get it free with a bursary. NCS says it calculates eligibility for this on a case-by-case basis – you can find out more once registered.

  MSE OLI says:

  Here's some feedback from previous programmes:

  "My son did this last year and had the best time, he was sorry when it finished, made some fantastic friends and really enjoyed the activities." - Jenny

  "Such a fantastic opportunity. Lots of fresh air. Lots of activities. Off the gaming!! And making life long friendships hopefully." - Sarah

  "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, which your child will enjoy every moment of." - Farnoosh

  "Teenagers need opportunities to shine, and that’s exactly what NCS gave my daughter." - Sharon

  "The change has been wonderful; it’s something that a parent only hopes to witness, their child growing into a better person." - Dawn

  Add your feedback on the National Citizen Service forum thread.

  • More info

    Earlier this year, there were reports of an 'allocation issue' affecting about 4% of applications for NCS programmes in June and early July. NCS has told us this won't affect availability from now onward and there are plenty of spaces available for the summer.

  Share this deal Share Close

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Whatsapp
  • Email

  REGISTER