Norma Hornby (Letters, 9 August) is right to shine a light on the challenges teenagers are facing. Many struggle with exam stress, body image, mental health, online bullying, and prejudice. The communities they grow up in are all too often divided, the job market is competitive, and financial hardship is, for many, an everyday reality. Despite this, our young people are fighting for a better future, for themselves and their communities.
By the end of this year National Citizen Service (NCS) will have supported more than 400,000 teenagers to build friendships across social divides, build skills for life and work, and build stronger communities. We are delivering real results, for example boosting university admission by almost 50% for the poorest, and delivering a social return of £8 for every £1 invested. Government funding has allowed us to offer these vital opportunities to the young people who need them most, reaching the most disadvantaged in our society.
NCS is brought to life in partnership with more than 200 existing local charities and community organisations, by fully qualified staff, which has allowed us to support and complement local infrastructure. I agree with Ms Hornby on the importance of achieving social cohesion and helping young people find meaningful employment. We, like others across our sector, are working to help make this a reality.
Michael Lynas
Chief executive officer, National Citizen Service
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters
