Only a limited number of spaces remain for Devon teenagers on a five-week programme being delivered by Young Devon in partnership with Red Cross.

Teenagers, who have finished their GSCEs or are in Year 12, are encouraged to sign up before Friday, August 10, to avoid any disappointment.

It is part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) and starting on the week commencing of Monday the 13th August, the course is a flagship government initiative, which aims to promote a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society, by bringing young people from different backgrounds together to make a difference to the community.

It is a voluntary programme for 16 and 17 year olds that focuses on their personal and social development by including challenging activities; from away-from-home residential experiences, to self-designed social action projects.

Karen Young, a British Red Cross project coordinator, said: “This is all about encouraging young people to engage them with their communities, to learn new skills, challenge themselves, meet new friends and make a real difference in the area they live”.

NCS starts with a one week residential course away from the country you live in, with adrenaline activities such a kayaking or climbing, followed by another week’s residential course, this time in your home country. Here you will complete national qualifications in first aid or humanitarian education.

When the residential courses are completed, participants will move on to their social action project which could consist of any social action work which helps the community, including providing first as to local beaches or delivering an education workshop to raise awareness of HIV or AIDS.

After a week of planning, groups complete 30 hours of volunteering to carry out their project.

The Red Cross National Service programmes are being delivered in partnership with South West Consortium and Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy. For more information visit www.youngdevon.org/ncs