In partnership with Carlisle College, the Inspira team in the North talk about their experience in producing a programme that met the NCS principles and complemented the Public Services course criteria at the College.

In Autumn 2013 we began working with Carlisle College on an Autumn delivery model, taking a small group onto the programme. As a result of our experiences and learning, this year we were able to roll out a tighter model – recruiting the whole cohort which included 23 eligible students. The buy in from the College has been fantastic, and interestingly led
to two course leaders competing for the chance to take their students on the programme.

The young people have completed all the phases during which they have taken part in the outdoor adventure, spent a day with the Army developing their leadership and team work skills, completed a Heartstart first aid course and finished their social action project, a red and black themed fashion show in aid of the Royal British Legion. Collections from local shops, outfits donated by local charities and one-off designs that were made by young people in the College’s art department were all on show.

As part of their planning the group met with the Chair of the Royal British Legion, contacted local businesses to raise awareness about their chosen charity, and promoted and gained support for their event in the local community.