Adventure trips to help turn teenagers into model citizens

YOUNGSTERS from East Yorkshire are being given the chance to go abseiling, caving and raft-building with Hull Tigers Trust.

The trust, which helps young people through sport and education, is giving dozens the chance to get active away from home through National Citizen Service.

It is organising three-week courses, which include a trip to the Peak District.

Hayley Richardson, 17, took part in the activities last year.

She said: "It was amazing. I didn't want it to end.

"It was the best three weeks of my life.

"I liked meeting everyone and making new friends."

National Citizen Service is a Government-run scheme for children aged 16 or 17.

It aims to teach them new skills and help them get involved in community projects.

The three-week course includes time spent away from home.

In Hull, the scheme is led by the trust's lead education officer Michael Richardson.

"It's more than a social experiment," he said.

"It's for young people from different regions taking part in two weeks of residential courses and 30 hours of social action programmes.

"We do one week of outdoor activities in the Peak District, followed by one week in the Lawns in Cottingham where they take part in local activities."

The Peak District trips involve adrenaline-fuelled pursuits such as potholing.

"This summer they will be going to an outdoor activity centre," said Mr Richardson.

"Last time, they took part in abseiling, gorge walking and raft building.

"It was brilliant. It's not a holiday but it's a decent break for the kids."

Cottingham might be less exciting than the dramatic countryside of the Peak District.

But it still offers the children a chance to do something different.

"Last year they went to Clough Road Fire Station and the firefighters showed us around," Mr Richardson said. "For the social action programmes, they have done everything from fundraising programmes for animal sanctuaries to painting local churches."

He believes one of the scheme's big benefits is the diversity of children it appeals to.

"We get a range of people from all over Hull and the East Riding," said Mr Richardson.

"They range from looked- after children right through to kids from private schools.

"The course is basically about building life skills and putting them in touch with other young people of a similar age."

There are three courses running this year, in spring, summer and autumn.

Children who want to take part are welcome to sign up in groups. To book a place, email michael.richardson@tigerstrust.co.uk