Element NCS Graduate Cheyenne Van Den Berg was chosen to visit Ypres, Belgium with 99 other NCS representatives to attend and volunteer at the commemorative events taking place there that marked the 100 anniversary of the 3rd Battle of Ypres, known as the Battle of Passchendaele.

The event was held to mark 100 years since the First World War Battle of Passchendaele, which led to an estimated 250,000 British and Commonwealth casualties.

The NCS representatives completed a number of duties, including escorting the descendants of the soldiers who fought and died at Passchendaele, conversing with and guiding members of the Military, Navy, and Ambassadors of visiting countries, and carrying the wreaths that were donated by involved countries during ceremonies.

They were all trained in skills such as appearing on television, being interviewed by the media and escorting VIPs such as the Royals.

The opportunity for NCS to support the commemorative anniversary was provided by DCMS ( Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport).

Michael Lynas, Cheif Executive Officer of NCS Trust, said the positive impact of NCS means the graduates like Jenny feel confident about representing their generation at such an important national event.

He added: “The Centenary of Passchendaele events are an important commemoration of our shared history, and it is an honour for National Citizen Service graduates to attend and contribute to the proceedings.

“NCS gives young people access to experiences they may not otherwise have and I know our graduates will have been moved by the events in Belgium. Some of them will have been honouring their own relatives, some will hear about the extent of the atrocities for the first time, but they will all have paid their respects to those who gave their lives.”

NCS is facing a record-breaking year with more than 100,000 young people signed up for a summer of fun, adventure and social action.

There are still places available for this year for 15 to 17 year-olds who would like to experience living away from home, develop skills to boost their CV, and meet new people.

To sign up:

– call 0114 2999 210
– email [email protected]
– visit www.ncsyes.co.uk