National Citizen Service proves a hit with teens in CYP Now poll

In a snapshot survey in the week running up to the Conservative Party conference, more than half of the 116 respondents said their main reason for taking part in the Tories' flagship youth programme would be to learn new skills, and 46 per cent wanted to meet people from different backgrounds.

The opportunity to help in their local community led 44 per cent of the 11- to 19-year-olds who responded to support the scheme, and 38 per cent liked the idea of doing something new. A quarter saw it as an opportunity to visit different parts of the country.

"I would like to gain more experiences and make new friends," was a common response from young people.

But a third thought the sixto eight-week voluntary scheme damaged their freedom of choice. "Young people should be trusted to make decisions that have a positive impact on the community, without legislation," said one respondent. "You wouldn't do the same for another group - it would seem disrespectful." Another young person likened the project to "a combination of the elitist Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Hitler Youth".

Respondents who were already engaged in volunteering thought money could be better spent elsewhere. "It's a waste of money when vital youth services are being cut," said one.

One in three said it was a bad idea to host the project during the summer holidays. "People have been at school all year and need six weeks off to relax," said one. While another added: "I don't want to give up summertime for unpaid work." However, more than a third said the scheme would help them get a job in the future.

Lord Nat Wei, government adviser for the big society agenda, said: "The views expressed in this survey are very encouraging. I hope even more young people will want to take part once they can see how good it is in practice."

Wei emphasised that the scheme would be inclusive. "No-one will be forced to do this and we will look at ways of making sure all young people, including those with jobs and family commitments, do not miss out."

Liam Preston, chair of the British Youth Council, said the findings were unsurprising. "At a time when many school leavers are worried about getting jobs, work or training, I'm not surprised that they put 'learning new skills' top."

The majority of respondents, 65 per cent, were female and almost all were students.

NCS survey results

• The most popular reason to take part for young people was "learning new skills", at 56 per cent
• One-third thought the scheme was too prescriptive
• Twenty-seven per cent said helping other young people to get new skills attracted them
• More than one in three wanted the experience to put on their CV
• Eight per cent saw it as a way to be healthier
• Twelve per cent thought the NCS would help them get away from their family
• A party at the end was a pull for 13 per cent
• One respondent thought their parents would enjoy the "peace and quiet"