Harriet is an A level student. She was interested in the social action aspect of National Citizenship Service (NCS) and wanted to make a difference to her local community. She took part in our autumn NCS programme.

"I started with Headliners on my 17^th Birthday. Headliners came to my school. The whole of year 12 sat down and heard about NCS. One of my friends had done it and said how great it was. It made sense to join up to it. I did it because I was interested in the social action aspect of NCS. The ability to make a difference was most important but it looked like fun too.

What I liked about it, was that staff were so welcoming. They don’t run NCS just to get us qualifications and they give so many opportunities for graduates. You grow with them and they will fully support you to make your film or do social action. Friends who have been on other programmes haven’t had this. It’s strange what you get involved with: I was able to help to arrange V cashpoint. I was able to project manage it and when you are my age, you don’t get the chance to do that kind of thing. It was crazy! Really empowering! They have given me opportunities that have been useful to put on applications. I’ve done inductions and staff interviews which have given me an insight into the world of work. I’ve achieved my V50 and now sit on the NCS North East Youth Board. I wouldn’t have been able to do NCS leaders without them.

I was able to help to arrange V cashpoint. I was able to project manage it and when you are my age, you don’t get the chance to do that kind of thing. It was crazy! Really empowering!

What working with Headliners has done, is that it’s allowed me to know who I am. Headliners doesn't really have that school environment; it's the real world. You are invited to see problems but see solutions instead. You see things in a new light. It’s a very social environment too. Fun is a big part of it, not just gaining abilities. I LOVE my NCS project too. We raised money raised money to fund play equipment for disabled children in South Shields. It really felt like we were giving back."

If I hadn’t come into contact with Headliners, I wouldn’t be who I am today. It’s the sense of community they have. Sometimes it can just be hard to cope in the academic world. All you are is your grades. The extracurricular stuff opens up a different dimension. Headliners gave me something tangible. When I think about the future I feel positive. A lot of that is due to Headliners. Doing NCS has changed me entirely and I wouldn’t have done it without Headliners.