On Saturday 16th September we celebrated the achievements of our National Citizen Service (NCS) graduates at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. Over 550 graduates attended on the day and were reunited with their teams to collect their certificates.

Outstanding Social Action Project awards were presented to those teams with an original idea or great execution of a project. Two individuals were also highlighted for Outstanding Achievement; George Gray (Chelmsford) and Bethany Paice (Basildon).

To hand out these certificates and awards we were honored with the presence of special guests Vicky Ford (MP for Chelmsford), Sir David Amess (MP for Southend West), The Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jeniffer Tollhurst, The High Sheriff of Essex, Mr Simon Hall and The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex and EBGC Chairman, Mr Jonathan Douglas-Hughes OBE.

Thank you to all of those who attended and made the day a memorable occasion. Please take a look at all the photos from the day…

This summer’s NCS took place from the end of June to the end of August, and in total 704 young people graduated from Chelmsford, Basildon, Southend and Epping/Harlow. The teams spent two weeks away from home; the first completing outdoor pursuits and activities, and the second taking part in interactive workshops and life skills sessions. They then spent two weeks in their respective communities creating voluntary social action projects for local charities, good causes and individuals. In total, our graduates volunteered 42,425 hours and raised £12,818.30.