A Newcastle College student who played a key role during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant celebrations, is encouraging other young people to give back to their community this summer and beyond.
16-year-old Jake Curbison, from Gateshead, who is studying the level 3 extended diploma in law, criminology and policing, travelled to London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant celebrations to hand out gifts and ensure visitors were catered for.
He said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I jumped at the chance to be part of history. I don’t think we’ll experience a platinum jubilee again so experiencing it first hand, having the chance to be a part of the day and meeting people who I wouldn’t usually speak to, were by far the most exciting elements.”
Jake’s volunteering CV is impressive. He is a young ambassador at Gateshead Council, where he represents the voice of young people; also volunteers for the NHS in palliative care; attends events with St.John Ambulance as a first-aider; and is Chair of the North Regional Youth Forum. On top of all that, he also works part-time at a restaurant alongside his College studies.
Last summer Jake took part in NCS, the country’s flagship youth programme for 16-17 year olds. The NCS summer programme includes time away from home, taking part in adventurous activities, and picking up life skills before returning to your area and doing good in the community.
Spaces on NCS’ Summer ‘22 programme are now very limited. Available to all 16 and 17-year-olds during the summer holidays, the two-week experience costs no more than £50, with financial support available too. Find out more at wearencs.com