Giving Naval Children their Voice

Giving Naval Children their Voice

We live in a world where the best jobs and best opportunities go to the people who are most articulate, the people who are best at putting their point across. So, learning to debate can be incredibly valuable for young people, for several reasons:
  • It develops critical thinking skills:Debating requires students to think critically about complex issues, analyse
    arguments, and evaluate evidence. These skills are essential for success in academic and professional settings.

  • It enhances communication skills: Debating provides an opportunity for young people to improve their public speaking skills and learn how to communicate their ideas effectively. This can be particularly beneficial for
    those who may not have had many opportunities to practice speaking in front of others.

  • Boosts confidence: Participating in debates can help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds build confidence in their abilities, which can carry over to other areas of their lives, such as academics, relationships, and career pursuits.

  • Expands knowledge and worldview:Debating allows students to explore a wide range of topics and perspectives, which can broaden their understanding
    of the world and help them become more informed and engaged citizens.
  • Opens doors for future
    opportunities:     Debating can be a valuable extracurricular activity that can impress college admissions officers and potential employers, and it can also provide networking opportunities and connections to mentors who can
    help students achieve their goals.

  • Overall, learning to debate can provide young people with valuable skills, knowledge, and opportunities that can help them succeed in school and beyond.

We understand that children of naval families may experience loneliness and isolation due to the nature of their parent’s job. Naval families often face frequent moves and long periods of separation due to deployments, which can make it difficult for children to form lasting relationships and maintain connections with friends and family.

Frequent moves can disrupt a child’s social support network and cause feelings of isolation, as they may have to often adjust to new environments, schools, and peer groups. This can lead to a sense of disconnection and loneliness, as the child may struggle to establish meaningful relationships in their new community. So, recognising the advantages of debate training and the sometimes-isolated situation for naval children, the Naval Children’s Charity, working in partnership with the Naval Families Federation, veterans charity Forward Assist and educational charity Parallel Histories, has created a new debating programme. It’s aimed at young people from naval families who would both benefit from debate training and would enjoy getting to know and sharing experiences with other young people from naval families located in different parts of the country or abroad. And it’s free. The debate workshops are informal and collaborative and designed for young people with no previous debating experience. In fact, we really want to involve you if you are one of those people who hate public speaking. There will be some online training in small groups of two or three, then some online debating with other naval young people, and at the end of the programme a trip to London and a celebration event in the Houses of Parliament. We’ll be running this programme across the summer and into the autumn and we can schedule the training either after school during the school term time or during the day during school holidays.

How to get involved

If you are a young person aged 12-16 come from a current or former naval family, and are interested in taking part, or simply want to find out more, please email sarah@parallelhistories.org.uk

We are also looking for three or four students (18-25) who would be able to act as debating mentors. Parallel Histories will provide training on how to teach speaking skills and you would be needed for approximately 6-8 hours over the summer and autumn to mentor young people online. This opportunity would be of value to students who are: thinking about a career in education, wanting to develop their record of volunteering for
their CV, or simply interested in helping younger people achieve their potential. If you think this would suit you please email sarah@parallelhistories.org.uk

Tall Ships Sailing Adventures for Young People

Tall Ships

During a TSYT voyage the young people develop a range of skills which can be transferred to their day-to-day lives to help them overcome any barriers and thrive. Working together as a team they grow in confidence and self-esteem and see a significant improvement in their communication and leadership skills.

Sailing adventures for young people

In partnership with the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), the Naval Children’s Charity are continuing to offer this fantasic opportunity for young people of Naval families, serving or veteran, in 2024.

We are on the lookout for the explorers of tomorrow to take part in a thrilling sea adventure along the coast of the British Isles on board one of the TSYT’s iconic 72ft Challenger yachts.

NCC-Sailing-Adventures-ft-img

How to apply

There are four voyages this year, depending on the age of the young person. There are 10 places on  each voyage, these will be allocated based on the  information provided on the expression on interest form, taking into account family circumstances, and particularly the statement from the young person outlining why they are applying.

Email ncc@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk to receive the form or follow link below
Sign up closed
“James loved every minute of it. The best part was the people he shared it with.”
James’ Mum, Amy

Voyages

There are three voyages this year, depending on the age of the young person. There are 10 places on  each voyage, these will be allocated based on the  information provided on the expression on interest form, taking into account family circumstances, and particularly the statement from the young person outlining why they are applying.

Closing date

The closing date for applications for Voyage 1 is Thursday 11th January.

The closing date for applications for Voyage 2 is Thursday 11th April.

The closing date for applications for Voyage 3 is Thursday 17th July.

Dates

Voyage 1: Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Tuesday 13th – Saturday 17th February
(Age 12-15yrs)

Voyage 2: Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Wednesday 29th – Sunday 2nd June
(Age 14-25yrs)

Voyage 3: Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Sunday 13th – Thursday 17th October
(Age 12-15yrs)

Full criteria: this opportunity is open to the child of any parent or guardian who
is serving or is a veteran of the Royal Navy, including Royal Marines, WRNS, QARNNS,
Reserves and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Please provide the service details of the parent
or guardian when you enquire

Other Life Chances

Forces Employment Charity

Read More

Youth Crew

Read More

Forces Children’s Trust – Week Adventure Holiday in the Lakes

A week’s adventure holiday in the Lake District for 10 – 22 year olds.

This year the Naval Children’s Charity has formed a partnership with the Forces
Children’s Trust, to offer up to six young people from Naval families (serving and ex-serving) the opportunity to take part in a fully inclusive, residential activity week in the Lake District from the 19th – 23rd August 2024. This exciting event will be run by The Outward Bound Trust, who specialise in outdoor learning courses that provide an alternative education and give young people the confidence to tackle the real world head on.

The event will be held at the Howtown Centre, located in a secluded and sheltered
bay on the shores of Ullswater. All Food and accommodation will be provided. We are
also able to consider support with travel costs. Young people aged 10-22 are eligible
to attend as long as they are still in full-time education.


Criteria for participation
  • A young person whose parent has died whilst serving as a member of the British Armed Forces
  • A young person whose parent has sustained life-changing injuries whilst
  • serving as a member of the British Armed Forces
  • A young person whose serving parent is suffering with PTSD
  • A young person from a British Armed Forces family who is a carer for someone or who may be dealing with domestic violence.

If you fit within these criteria and you’re interested in taking part in this exciting opportunity, please get in touch with Denny Wise at the Forces Children’s Trust to register your interest, explaining where you heard about the opportunity. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so please apply early to avoid disappointment: denny.wise@forceschildrenstrust.org.uk

Other Life Chances

Forces Employment Charity

Youth Crew

PETA Apprenticeships

PETA Apprenticeships

Overview: As the leading training provider in Hampshire, PETA provides quality apprenticeship programmes to over 400 apprentices every year, with up to 96% continuing their career or graduating onto higher-level learning. They work with local schools and businesses to build the next generation of Engineers, Technical Experts and Business Leaders by creating fair opportunities for young people to advance from education to employment.

The Naval Children’s Charity have partnered with PETA to promote their apprenticeship programme, so our young people can enjoy the benefits of a rewarding career whilst gaining the qualifications they will need to progress in the future. Even better, we can offer help any associated costs (equipment, travel etc.) so all you have to worry about is settling into your new role and working towards the career you’ve always wanted.

FAQ’s:

What qualifications do I need before I apply?

English and Maths GCSEs (Grade 4-9) are mandatory requirements for all PETA’s apprenticeships with the exception of their business programme, although applicants must still have a pass in one of these subjects and a minimum of a D / 3 in the other. If for any reason you haven’t achieve these grades PETA would look at enrolling you on a Functional Skills programme, which could be completed alongside your apprenticeship and would act as an equivalent, but they would need to undertake a full assessment with you first to make sure they felt this option was viable for you.

How do I apply?

Apprenticeships follow a similar process to a regular job application process. You can apply directly with PETA, who will meet with you to discuss your interests and help find the right career path for you. They will then help manage the application process between you and the employer.

How much will I earn?

All apprentices must receive at least the national minimum wage set by the Government for which the current hourly rate can be viewed here. However, PETA actively encourages employers to pay above the minimum wage.

Where will my training take place?

Most apprenticeship training will take place with your new employer (on-the-job) and the rest will take place at one of PETA’s training centres based in Cosham and Havant.

What next?

Just click the link below to access PETA’s apprenticeship vacancy pages and start your search. You can apply whilst you’re still in school but you must be aged 16 or over by the time your apprenticeship starts. apprenticeship vacancy pages.
If you do secure an apprenticeship, but need some additional support with things like travel or equipment costs, you can get in touch with The Naval Children’s Charity caseworker team to see if we can help: 023 9263 9534 / caseworkers@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk

Other Life Chances

Forces Employment Charity

Youth Crew

London Irish

London Irish
The ACE scheme – Academy, Colleges and Education

ACE London Irish is an academic partnership between London Irish and Bishop Wand School. The Naval Children’s Charity have partnered with London Irish to promote this scheme to our young people, and will be able to support any successful candidates from Naval families with their costs, including accommodation, whilst on the programme

Overview from the London Irish website

The ACE scheme – Academy, Colleges and Education – is targeted at talented Year 12 and Year 13 students who have the aspirations and potential to play at the elite end of the game. The ACE scheme gives boys the opportunity to combine rugby training on a daily basis at London Irish with academic study at our education partner Bishop Wand School as of the 2020/21 academic year. This combination allows the students to not only gain an excellent education, but also experience high quality rugby training and match opportunities. Ofsted rating: Excellent The rugby component of the combined development process will be delivered on site at the London Irish training ground and will be led by ACE Head Coach Richard Pryor supported by Pierre Clark, Simeon Barnes and Delon Armitage.

All students receive an Individual Development Program that is worked out to their individual needs and will also include a competition program which will consist of RFU ACE league games, friendlies, junior club games and representative games where appropriate. In addition to this students will also receive a personalised strength and conditioning programme and will have access to a full time physio.

The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young talented rugby players to really develop their potential in a professional environment alongside like-minded players whilst continuing their academic education.

Some of the key highlights of the program include:

  • 8 of the 15 senior academy players all graduated from ACE
  • 36 former London Irish ACE players currently playing professional rugby
  • School Ofsted rating Good
  • 12 hours of rugby as part of a bespoke school timetable
  • Excellent links to top BUCS universities

For any specific questions regarding the programme email Richard.pryor@london-irish.com
What is ACE?

ACE is an academic partnership between the club and Bishop Wand School. It is a program run to provide a 6th form education as well as access to the highest level of coaching and playing opportunities at schoolboy level in England. We act as a feeder school to the academy and provide between 40-50% of the academy U18 squad each season.
There are only 14 ACE colleges/schools in England all linked to a Premiership Academy so competition for places is high.

It is aimed at anyone who wishes to develop their rugby further and is not purely open to boys within the DPP structure. As we have 12 hours of rugby for the 2 years of 6th form education, we know the players who come on ACE will develop significantly physically, mentally, technically, and tactically.

I reiterate, this is the highest level of schoolboy rugby in the country and is a fantastic opportunity for young men who wish to become better rugby players while receiving an excellent education.

It also must be remembered that if your son does not make it from U16 DPP into the U18 academy, ACE is the best place for him to be if he harbours a desire to get back into the academy as all staff work for the academy and we train and play at the home of the 1st team and academy therefore your son will be seen on a daily basis developing as a player.

Other Life Chances

Forces Employment Charity

Read More

Youth Crew

Read More

UKSA Sea Change

Water based, residential activity camps – free spaces for Naval children.

We have recently formed an exciting partnership with UKSA, the maritime youth charity, to offer young people from Naval families (serving or veterans) an opportunity to attend UKSA’s Sea.Change programme, completely free of charge! This inspirational 5-day residential activity camp, based on the Isle of Wight, has been set up so teenagers aged 14-17 can enjoy adventure and being outdoors, learn more about training and working in the maritime
industry or watersports and enjoy having fun for a week and meeting some new people.

You would have a chance to experience a wide range of exciting water-based activities including dinghy sailing and sea survival, power boating, keelboating and stand-up paddle- boarding.  UKSA also includes some shore-based sessions where you can learn more about career options and get to chat to their Industry Guidance team.  You don’t need any special knowledge or experience; you just have to be excited about learning something new.

As an added benefit, the Sea.Change Foundation Programme also meets the criteria for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential award, which can be a wonderful way of demonstrating your skills and aptitude when pursuing future education and career opportunities.

The course dates available are as follows

31st July – 4th August (limited space)

24th – 28th July

Whats the cost?
The cost of attending the Sea.Change programme would normally be £490 but if you register your interest in attending through the Naval Children’s Charity we can offer you a space completely free of charge! This is because UKSA have pledged to cover 50% of the costs and we are able to provide the other 50%. This includes all food and accommodation for the week. We are also able to help you with travel costs to and from the Isle of Wight if needed.

All you need to do is email us at NCC@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk and we will send you details on how to apply, but you must register through us to be able to access this offer. When you get in touch, please include the full name of the young person applying and the full name, service number, address and contact details for the parent who has served or is currently serving in the Navy.

Other Life Chances

Forces Employment Charity

Read More

Youth Crew

Read More