Winner of The Voice and NCS ambassador visits Leeds schools

Issued on behalf of the National Citizen Service







Winner of The Voice 2014 and NCS ambassador Jermain Jackman gives preview performance of debut album to students at Carr Manor Community School and Cooperative Academy in Leeds



• Jermain Jackman visits Carr Manor Community School and The Cooperative Academy to give sneak peek performance of his new single ahead of its release on 23 March

• Jermain takes over school assembly to talk to students about the life changing opportunities presented to him when he said yes to flagship youth programme NCS



Young people from Carr Manor Community School and The Cooperative Academy, both in Leeds, are to be given an exclusive performance when Jermain Jackman, winner of the BBC’s flagship singing competition, The Voice 2014, will take over an assembly at both schools to perform a single from his soon-to-be-released album and to talk to students about the life-changing impacts he experienced on the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme.



Jermain’s visit to Carr Manor Community School and The Cooperative Academy is part of a three week tour of schools across the country ahead of the launch of his self-titled debut album, meaning students from Leeds are some of the first to hear his new single, “How Will I Know”, due for release on the same day as his album 23 March.



As well as performing a selection of tracks from his self-titled album, Jermain spoke to the students about his experience on NCS, the country’s flagship youth programme, in 2012.



NCS is a once–in-a-lifetime opportunity open to 15 to 17 year olds across England and Northern Ireland. It is a unique two or three week full-time programme focused around fun and discovery, with participants volunteering at least 30 hours to a community project they create to address an issue important to them. The programme is designed to create a more cohesive society by mixing young teenagers from a wide variety of backgrounds, while supporting their transition into adulthood by enabling them to develop essential skills for work and life.



Jermain explained how NCS helped him overcome challenges such as presenting to a group, as well as giving him the confidence to achieve his ambitions, adding, “The last few years have been an incredible journey for me and I wanted to be able to share some of these experiences with students in Leeds who are looking ahead to their own futures. For me, taking part in NCS in 2012 was a defining moment, helping me to develop the confidence to realise my ambitions. It was an experience I’d encourage everyone to say ‘yes’ to!”



Like Jermain, thousands of young people in West Yorkshire have taken part in NCS since it launched in 2011. So far, they have dedicated hours to the local community and raised money for charity through NCS.



Kylie Lewis, NCS Engagement Manager commented, “We’re really grateful to Jermain for coming to Leeds today and talk about the ‘yes’ moment that changed his life. NCS continues to inspire young people across the country, growing enthusiasm, entrepreneurialism and challenging them to create their own future, whilst also having a positive effect in the community. Teenagers can say yes today by visiting www.ncsyes.co.uk.”



To register interest in the summer NCS programme in Leeds, West Yorkshire or North Yorkshire, call 0800 027 9111.



ENDS



The most appropriate event for media to attend will be from 12pm on Thursday 26th February at Carr Manor Community School. To confirm your attendance for any interview or photography opportunities please contact Jonny Marshall, NCS Marketing Coordinator on 07718 195749 or jonny.marshall@serco.com





About NCS

National Citizen Service (NCS) is a once–in-a-lifetime opportunity open to 15-17 year olds across England and Northern Ireland. NCS is a unique two or three week full-time programme focused around fun and discovery, plus 30 hours committed to a community project that benefits both young people and society. On this government backed programme, participants build skills for work and life, while taking on new challenges and adventures, making new friends, and contributing to their community.



Government backing means that it costs just £50 or less to take part in NCS and bursaries are available on a case by case basis. Support is provided for young people with additional needs.



NCS represents great value for money for parents as participants spend up to two weeks away from home with all meals and activities covered. The first week is spent at an outward bound facility participating in activities such as abseiling, water rafting and canoeing. The second week teens live away from home, typically at local university halls of residence, learning how to be self-sufficient, developing new skills and finding out more about the needs of their local community.



Taking place outside school/term time, teens can sign up for the part-residential experience and participate in either the spring, summer or autumn programmes. In every programme they will experience four sections that focus on personal and social development including leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Not only do 16 & 17 year olds have the chance to give something back, but it also looks great on CVs and helps with job, college and university applications, building future aspirations. NCS is now recognised by UCAS and taking part is a sought after addition to any CV.



In 2013, NCS Trust, an independent social enterprise, was established to manage NCS and execute the ambitious expansion of the government backed programme. To find out more information about NCS or to sign up to NCS visit NCSyes.co.uk. Like us on facebook.com/ncs, follow us on Twitter @ncs or subscribe to NCSYes channel on YouTube.



About Jermain Jackman album launch

Having won over the affections of the nation on BBC’s The Voice UK 2014, Jermain Jackman announces the release of his debut single ‘How Will I Know’ out 23rd March 2015 the same day as his self-titled album through London Records. ‘How Will I Know’, the first single to come from this Hackney born talent is co-written by Jermain, proving that there’s more to him than just his outstanding voice. Jermain has been working tirelessly since winning The Voice to create an impressive debut British soul record.



The single, which boasts a vivacious horn section and playful lyrics delivered straight from the school of Motown, is an upbeat song with an overriding message of hope. Recorded around the time of his Grandma’s death, the song is also infused with palpable feeling. “I’d been to New York to visit my Granny the same week, and so my emotions were high in the studio. She was very much in my thoughts as I recorded the single and I think you can hear that in my vocal.”



Blessed with a beautifully rich baritone, Jackman is a natural, inventive vocalist who manages to push the boundaries of possibility, while retaining a delicacy and restraint that is admirable. At just 20 years-old, Jermain is one of the UK’s most innovative, interesting and unique recording artists. Blessed with a beautifully rich baritone, his renditions of ‘A House Is Not A Home’, ‘Wrecking Ball’ and ‘I’m Telling You’ from The Voice – which have had over 5 million views online - were simply stunning and showcase his incredible range as a singer.



Jermain's inherent musicality stems from years in gospel choirs and a love for soul, R&B, & classic Motown. A true musician through and through, Jermain has spent his young life honing and developing his craft even to the extent of being able to read and write music. His talent and dedication have enabled him to grow into the talented songwriter and performer that he is today.



For more information on Jermain’s album launch please contact:

Laura Sinclair: laura.sinclair@dawbell.com/020 3327 7161