Georgia works as a part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) team at BCHA. As a government-run programme for 15-17 year olds, it’s designed to break down social barriers and help develop life skills.

Georgia is passionate about enabling young people to flourish, and has built her own confidence during her time working for the organisation:

“When I finished University in 2014 I didn’t have any idea of what I wanted to do. But after going on an International Citizen Service (ICS) programme where I volunteered with young people in Tanzania I realised my passion, and I decided I wanted to continue working in the field..

I now work in the Bournemouth HQ for NCS located in BCHA, and among other jobs I work in school engagement – this means I go into schools to recruit people for the four-week programme, which includes a residential trip of activities, some volunteering and a community development project.

It is open to a diverse range of people: some who are from challenging backgrounds or in care, and others who attend the most prestigious private schools. It is designed to break down social barriers and empowers them to be more confident young people as they transition into adulthood.

“The NCS programme is designed to break down social barriers and empower young people to be more confident as they transition into adulthood..”

The role has definitely help to develop my own confidence – standing up and talking to 250 teenagers in an assembly was pretty daunting at first! Teenagers get a really bad reputation, but when you listen to them and what they are passionate about you realise there’s a lot they want to do and change.

When I was 16 I would have been scared of an experience like NCS ¬– my mum would have had to drag me kicking and screaming. But when you guide those people who are anxious at first through the programme and they really enjoy it, it’s really fulfilling. Sometimes I’ll be in town and bump into one of the people I have helped, and seeing how far they have come and what they have achieved since makes me feel really proud.

A comment we often get is “I didn’t want to do it in the first place, I was really nervous, but I’m now so glad I did, I’m much more confident and I have found a new passion.” So, I always tell people that if they don’t do it they’ll never know – regret is worse than not knowing.”