South Staffordshire teenagers who are spending their summer holidays taking part in National Citizen Service, have been treated to a special visit from winner of TV’s The Voice, Jermain Jackman.

Life changing opportunities

Singer Jermain spoke to the teenagers about the life changing opportunities presented to him when he said yes to the flagship youth programme in 2012; making him one of the very first participants of NCS.

Appearing as part of his “everything is political” workshop, Jermain explained how NCS helped him to overcome challenges such as speaking in front of audiences, as well as giving him the confidence to follow his dreams.

Jermain said:

“The talk was centred around inequality and feminism.

I was struck by the level of engagement, involvement and how passionate and courageous these young people were to voice their opinions, ideas and experiences.

“It truly was a heart-warming event to see young people standing up for LGBT rights and opening up about their struggles from bullying to problems at home.

The confidence within these young people is testament to the benefits of NCS.”

Youth-led workshops

Jermain attended a variety of youth-led workshops, centred on first aid, body image, disability sports and healthy relationships. 

He later treated the young people to a private performance, showcasing the talent that won him The Voice, by singing “His eyes is on the sparrow".

Future prime minister?

Having won The Voice in 2014, aged just 19, Jermain’s next life goal is to enter politics and one day become Prime Minister of the UK.

He said:

“I know future leaders when I meet them, and that was a room filled with them! I entered the academy hall aiming to inspire but it was I that left inspired."

National Citizen Service

NCS is delivered by APM in the West Midlands, in partnership with a network of specialist providers including UpRising and Stoke City Football Club.

APM Business Manager, Gareth Downie said:

“Jermain delivered with enormous passion, enthusiasm and had the whole audience gripped from his opening sentence.

“NCS is all about broadening our young people’s perspective and teaching them lessons they cannot always learn in class. The workshop was very engaging and encouraged young people to discuss any opinions or thoughts in a relaxed environment."

APM is delivering NCS to more than 5,000 young people across the region this summer.

Teens will get a chance to experience adventure through outward bound activities and a residential, before returning home to deliver a community project that makes a lasting impact on the local area.

For more information, please visit www.ncsyes.co.uk.