YOUNG people across south Essex have been giving back to their community as part of a national summer programme.

James Duddridge, Rochford and Southend East MP joined a crew of 16 to 17-year-olds at Roots Hall, the home of Southend United, for an insight into the work of the National Citizen Service.

The programme, which has been quickly growing throughout the summer, has seen a range of projects undertaken to clean up beaches and churchyards and add some colour to their towns.

Mr Duddridge said: “Seeing young people doing something so proactive and valuable with their summer break is amazing.

“Not only are they gaining many valuable life skills but the ongoing impact and engagement they will have in their local communities is the real legacy of NCS.

“It was a pleasure to meet such an inspiring group of young people and to hear all about the charities they’ve chosen to work with and their NCS experiences so far.

“It is a fabulous programme that makes a real impact on the local area.”

Taylor Randall, 16, a student at Shoeburyness High School has been taking part in the project, which is run by the Southend United Community and Educational Trust in partnership with Ingeus.

He feels that being a part of NCS has made him feel a bigger part of his own community.

He said: “Taking part in NCS provides me with the opportunity to give something back to the community by raising money and awareness for mental health.

“Our social action project involves a sponsored walk for Mind as well as creating leaflets, social media updates and a video to raise awareness for mental health.

“The sense of pride I’m experiencing from giving back to the community is unreal!”

The group including Taylor have also taken part in a range of activities including rock climbing and abseiling in Norfolk, undertaking workshops on CV-writing, budgeting and other aspects of life.

The group is not the only one in the area to take part in the programme.

A group of 11 teenagers on Canvey cleared Concord Beach, as well as painting a mural beside the Labworth Cafe, with the support of the Friends of Concord Beach and Canvey Baywatch.

Another group in Laindon also volunteered to help cut the grass, dig flower beds and clean up the graves at the St Nicholas Church in Church Hill, Laindon.

Another member of the Southend NCS group, Martha, a student at Westcliff High School for Girls, added: “A fun, painted rock can brighten someone’s day.

“From the companies who donated paint and other supplies, to the local artist Andy Downes, who painted some special rocks for us, there are so many people who want to help and so much kindness in our community already, it’s truly amazing to see.

“I feel I’ve learnt how simple it is to make a difference and have found NCS so rewarding.

“It’s an experience like no other and I am so glad I signed up.”

The programme has been running throughout the summer and hopes to continue supporting the community around south Essex.

To find out more about how to take part in a programme, visit www.ncsyes.co.uk