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Safe In Tees Valley youngsters to set sail with OYT North as part of National Citizen Service

OYT North is celebrating after becoming an official stakeholder training partner for Safe in Tees Valley as part of National Citizen Service

National Citizen Service (NCS) is a flagship initiative supporting the Government’s vision for building the Big Society and this summer Safe in Tees Valley will be offering over a thousand 16 year olds from all backgrounds the opportunity to work together, take on new challenges and make a difference in their community.

The link up with the OYT North will see a number of young people experience living in the close confines of a yacht as part of NCS while participating in all aspects of sailing under the expert tuition of the OYT North’s Skipper Grace Metcalfe. Participants will become part of the working crew onboard and will be shown how to hoist and set the sails, take the helm, help with the cooking and cleaning onboard as well as develop important skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving.

Commenting Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North said, “We’re delighted to be part of this initiative and pleased that Safe in Tees Valley can see the benefits that sail training can bring to young people.

“The voyages will not only help participants to develop essential skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, but will underline the fact that ability is no barrier when you’re working as a team. We look forward to welcoming them onboard and we’re sure the experience will have a great impact on the overall positive effect of the National Citizen Service scheme “

Christine Davidson, Youth Manager from Cleveland Police and seconded to Safe in Tees Valley said: “Our past experience has shown that adventure sailing really does deliver everything that National Citizen Service is looking to achieve.

“NCS has attracted young people from all backgrounds and getting on a yacht for the first time, trying new things and proving to yourself and others what you can do gives a real boost in confidence and helps build vital, transferable skills that can be used throughout life. We’re pleased that OYT North has joined us and we look forward to some exciting times onboard.”

NCS is being delivered across England and is now in its second year, Safe In Tees Valley also delivered in 2011 in Cleveland. NCS is available to 16 year olds (Year 11 school leavers) across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton on Tees and is offered on a no cost basis. NCS runs for three weeks during the summer holidays including two weeks away from home residentials followed by 30 hrs part time volunteering.

For further information about National Citizen Service / Safe in Tees Valley please visit http://www.safeinteesvalley.org , telephone 0845 271 3883 or e-mail info@safeinteesvalley.org

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