A WESTBURY teenager is using her summer holidays to encourage other young people to get involved with community volunteer projects.

Abbie Brewer, 18, took part in a National Citizen Service (NCS) programme last summer where she took on the challenge of raising money and awareness for the homeless.

Her team lead a sponsored ‘sleep-out’ in the city centre to remind the public of the environments homeless people suffer every day and she now believes that these acts of volunteering fit into any busy teenager’s life.

She said: “I was a full time sixth form student with two jobs and still found time for three or more volunteering opportunities.

“By no means is volunteering just for ‘older’ people, you see changes within yourself that make you a better person and change your self-image, whilst also gaining practical skills such as time-keeping and communication.

“It is something that anyone can do and something you can do for anyone or anything.”

The NCS programme aims to increase social cohesion, social mobility and community engagement through volunteering opportunities.

Kelly Holder, programme director of NCS West, says: “Young people on NCS generate such a passion and positive energy towards their social action projects.

“It’s great to see them completely engage with a project they truly believe in and work as a team to make their mark on the community around them.”

NCS is open to all 16 to 17 year olds across England and is focused around fun and discovery, with participants volunteering at least 30 hours to a community project they create to address an issue important to them.

There are still places available for the NCS programme this summer, you can sign up today at www.ncswest.co.uk.