Rupa Huq MP showed her support for the National Citizen Service (NCS) in Ealing on Saturday (September 19).

Ms Huq met a group of young people while visiting the NCS, which is a scheme that brings together 16 and 17-year-olds from different backgrounds to complete a series of personal and team challenges to make a difference in their community.

Following an action-packed stay at an outdoor centre and a week spent learning a new skill in a university-style setting, participating young people team up to run community campaigns and complete projects for local charities and community organisations.

More than 200 young people spent Saturday campaigning and raising awareness and funds for 20 local charities including Ealing MIND and Ealing Swimming Club.

Ms Huq said: “Taking part in the NCS is a brilliant opportunity for young people from across Ealing Central & Acton and from all backgrounds to come together and address the issues they care about head on.

“The programme also equips local teenagers with the skills they need to get on in life, whilst meeting new people and experiencing new challenges.”

In Ealing, young people are working with groups including The Living Room, Ealing Salvation Army and Ealing Libraries to raise more awareness and funds

Students from schools such as Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Ellen Wilkinson School, and Acton High School took part.

Nearly 600 young people from Ealing took part this summer and there is another programme running this autumn.

For information or to sign your child up to the NCS autumn programme visit www.ncsthechallenge.org or contact laura.nelson@the-challenge.org.