To be baffled at Rishis National Service Plan

Just because they would be doing jobs/tasks that other people volunteer for does not mean that this proposal includes an option of 'volunteering'. That word being used in the proposal still does not mean that there will be a voluntary option.

Cambridge dictionary definition of volunteering: a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it.

I thought the NCS was cancelled years ago. Glad to hear us still running (is it?)

DS didn’t see much value in it though, but then he had been doing so much traveling, training and volunteering in cadets he found the NCS a bit basic. I am, however, ethereally grateful that they kept him busy and out of mischief in the longest summer school holiday he has ever had.

I think it will offer skills, purposeful activity, opportunity in certain fields and experience. It will be great for university and job apps, as well as giving a foot in the door and a sense of involvement.

But surely this isn't true for everyone. At 18 I was studying all day at uni and then working in a bar to pay my rent. In the summer holidays I was doing internships (when I was lucky enough to get one) or working in cafes and restaurants. Most of my friends were the same. I would have happily traded in waiting tables for something more fulfilling but only if it meant I was getting paid. I was absolutely skint at the time.

If it's such a great idea and so useful for young people then it should be voluntary. Don't punish those who have their shit together.

It should be expanded out. Also, maybe this would remove some of the pressure from teenagers, as the focus will be on their contribution and nothing else.

This is all just a last-ditch desperate attempt to win back Reform voters. It’s a stupid idea-forcing a small section of the population to do something is just daft. If they want to encourage volunteering, then invest more in DofE or the NCS. Or as part of post 16 education.

It’s all rather a moot point anyway though as it will never happen and every Tory MP is fully aware of this.

I agree . I have done lots of volunteering over the years , I think it’s good to give back to the community and makes me feel like I’ve achieved something. It should be encouraged.
I do think the National Service headlines have really not helped, so many have jumped straight to the Military conclusion without actually reading what is being proposed.
We shall see how this pans out !

Gives youth skills for starters.

It's smoke & mirrors, while everyone is talking about this they aren't talking about all the tory shortcomings & cock ups.

It is if forced, also why should it only be the young? If it's so essential why not widen the field? The while think is nonsense. Teenagers these days are under enough pressure, this will not help.

@CurlsnSunshinetime4tea what country are you in?
In England (not sure about the other 3) teens are usually expected to do a week of work experience towards the end of Year 10 (so mostly age 15 but some still 14).
Many schools are finding it impossible to find places that will take part in the scheme.
To much "health and safety" etc rules so many end up with no placement to go to.

Detail, something that Margaret Thatcher and her ministers used to do. Not something the Conservative Party does now, certainly since 2019.

Principle may have some merits, but if you haven't thought of the detail, then don't make it up as you go along.

Youth giving up their time to volunteer isn't a bad thing.

I am sure there will be plenty of things to do that don't involve contact with vulnerable groups.

💯 this

@Needmorelego that would have been the better option or promoting and supporting DofE

People seem to be concentrating on the military side but only 30,000 places on offer and I think you have to apply for them, so would only get the ones who want to do it.

Compulsory volunteering isnt volunteering.
Who wants sulky teenagers that don't want to be there in anything to do with vulnerable groups

I KNOW I TALKED ABOUT. COMMUNITY SERVICE AS WELL - READ THE POST

Here's an idea....
Actually promote the already existing NCS scheme and extend it to the whole of the UK.
Make the age for it start lower (basically 12 - end of Year 7) and incorporate some of it (especially the volunteering) as part of the school curriculum.
Child can take part as many times as they want from 12 - 18.
From 16 they could choose to be junior leaders for the younger ones.
In theory that means at 18 every child will have taken part in a scheme that gives them confidence, skills and some volunteer/community experience and can enter the adult world with confidence.

Because if mandatory it isn't volunteering, just unpaid labour.

🔈 ITS NOT JUST MILITARY SERVICE, READ THE BLOODY ARTICLES 🔈

Actual National service was cancelled by the Conservatives after 6 years as it was too expensive. This ill thought out nonsense is something else. Choose either a year long military service - None of the armed forces want this or can afford to train people only to leave in a year. Or choose Community service one weekend a month in the police, ambulance or cyber security services. Who is going to baby sit these volunteers? Not to mention small issues like what about people with kids, people who have a job already, people who work shifts, people with disabilities. Wont they need to pass a dbs check? What if they don’t - they not have to do it then? How will it be enforced- will there be penalties for not doing it and what will they be? It’s hard enough to enforce court ordered community service and compliance is low there. How much will it cost? This will die a death before it gets anywhere near passed - not to mention the Conservatives are out in July anyway.

as a requirement to graduate all three of my kids had to do work placement.
in this case the schools found the placements.
somethings that young people were already doing counted towards the required hours (sports coaching and or part time jobs).
both my boys did their hours at a fish hatchery clipping fins.
it was just something to add to the resume and no negatives from the experience.

@frankentall maybe a read of the other 350 threads about this started in the past 48 hours will unbaffle you.

Many European countries (including Scandinavian countries) have NS. Are they ‘batshit’? Or are their much-coveted-by-Mumsnet-users communities better because of their sense of individual responsibility and contribution?

If 24 days (that’s how long it would be in total) of delivering prescriptions or volunteering as a hospital guide has you talking about human rights violations and Nazi Germany, then it’s very clear that you’re so pampered a bit of NS would do you good.

Everyone on here expects the world in terms of a ’village’, generous benefits, a caring society, but wants to do fuck all to contribute to it. It’s wild.