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“We want young people to feel more confident and meet new people, as well as feel more connected with their community. ‘Keep Doing Good’ can offer this to them.”

Instead of struggling to know what to do with their spare time this summer, teenagers aged 15-17, will respond to the impact COVID-19 has had in their local area by volunteering thousands of hours, to help rebuild their local community with ‘Keep Doing Good’ from NCS (National Citizen Service).

Thousands of young people were due to go away this summer on NCS with the aim being to live independently, learn new skills, meet new people and volunteer, to make a positive impact in the community. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, the traditional NCS programme can’t go ahead and young people are instead pledging their time by signing up to ‘Keep Doing Good’.

The two-week programme takes place in August and will see young people volunteer over 16 hours each in their local community. In groups, they will plan and deliver a social action project, leaving a positive impact by supporting local food banks, care homes or helping local charities get back up running.

Whatever they decide to do, they will pick up news skills, create positive change and help rebuild their local community.

Tymoteusz Syrytczyk, 17, from Sheffield is an NCS Graduate and a member of �������� Trust’s Regional Youth Board has signed up to ‘Keep Doing Good’ in Sheffield and can’t wait to get involved:

“I loved being a part of NCS last year, so when I saw I could get involved again this summer I was excited to get on board. I’m looking forward to helping my community get back on its feet and using the skills I got from NCS last year to help me do this”.

‘Keep Doing Good’ will be delivered by �������� Trust and its network of local organisations that include Football Clubs, sport charities and youth organisations, all of whom have vast experience and passion to work with young people and give them an opportunity to make positive change.

Mike Evans, Chief Executive at �������� Trust said:

“We’re looking forward to engaging thousands of young people in ‘Keep Doing Good’ this summer. This alternative to NCS is a really exciting opportunity for young people to get involved with and play their part to make positive change in their community.

“Our network of over 60 delivery partners are eager to support young people and offer them an insightful and safe experience that will also help them develop as well as benefit the community.

“We want young people to feel more confident and meet new people, as well as feel more connected with their community. ‘Keep Doing Good’ can offer this to them.”

To find out more information about ‘Keep Doing Good’ or to register interest visit

For the past 14 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wycombe Wanderers Sports and Education Trust (WWSET) have supported hundreds of people with their mental health by adapting their Keep Moving Forward project.

The project, which supports people facing mental health difficulties, has been adapted from face-to-face sessions to conducting online sessions in Indian Clubs (a form of physical exercise) and yoga, as well as weekly online mindfulness sessions in partnership with Bucks Mind.

In addition, the Trust have also been making contact with each and every one of their members weekly to provide a listening ear, ease any worries and provide coping strategies that members can practice and adopt throughout the week and beyond.

The sessions have enabled people to keep connected and provide a sense of routine and normality, as well as much needed support during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sam White, Head of Health at Wycombe Wanderers Sports and Education Trust said:

“Lockdown has been an uncertain and distressing time for all of us. However, for those already living with mental health problems it’s been an even tougher road than normal due to the fact many normal coping mechanisms have been taken away and services stretched.

“It’s for this reason that when the lockdown came into place WWSET knew we had to adapt our normal sessions quickly in order to support our community. We immediately had to stop our physical sessions and quickly learn how to adapt to online versions of two of our courses; Indian Clubs and Yoga, which was challenging.

“WWSET also began providing targeted 1-2-1 calls each week to provide support and advice to those most in need. This has been a really difficult time for a lot of our members however I genuinely feel our method of support has helped people to feel connected.

“We have been fortunate to run an additional two short courses (mindfulness and cooking for one) during this time, and are looking forward to gradually getting back to more face to face interactions.”

Here is what a few members had to say about Keep Moving Forward sessions:

“Having a call with Sam and text exchanges has helped me to feel less isolated during the lockdown -especially living alone. “

“Indian Clubs was an important part of my weekly structure pre-lockdown and I was so relieved that this has been able to continue via Zoom. I enjoy the different exercises and feel like it’s helping my body get stronger and my mind keep active. Plus, it’s lovely seeing everyone and Sam’s friendly energy and encouragement makes all the difference.”

“Being in isolation is tough but being connected to the group via the virtual yoga is a godsend. After the session you feel invigorated but calm and relaxed. It’s the highlight of the week.”

“Speaking to Sam helped me by keeping me positive. It’s good to talk, but also her calming positive attitude helped focus on being in the present. Knowing that they are always available to talk to is so important for my wellbeing”