The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) has been a key part of helping young people grow and succeed for generations. At Somerford Youth and Community Centre, we’re proud to offer this incredible programme to young people in our community. The DofE is about more than just achieving an award—it’s about personal development, resilience, and gaining the skills that will set you up for success in adult life.
What is the DofE?
The DofE is a personal development programme designed for young people aged 14-24. It’s all about helping you grow as a person, develop life skills, and build confidence. Whether you’re looking to push yourself, try something new, or gain experience that will help you in the future, the DofE has something for you.
The programme is split into three progressive levels:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
At each level, you’ll face different challenges to complete. Bronze and Silver levels involve four sections, while the Gold level adds a fifth section for a more advanced challenge.
The Five Key Sections of the DofE
Each level of the DofE has five key sections that focus on personal growth and building a range of skills:
- Volunteering: Giving back to your community or supporting the environment through various volunteer activities.
- Physical: Getting involved in physical activities to improve fitness and overall well-being.
- Skills: Learning a new skill or developing a hobby that challenges you to grow.
- Expedition: Planning, preparing for, and completing an adventurous journey that tests your independence and teamwork.
- Residential (Gold level only): Participating in a residential project with others to build teamwork and collaboration.
Who Can Participate?
The DofE is open to all young people, no matter your background, ability, or gender. It’s not about being the best or competing with others—this programme is about setting your own personal goals, pushing your own boundaries, and developing as an individual.
Benefits of the DofE
Taking part in the DofE is a rewarding experience that brings many benefits:
- Fun and Friendship: Along the way, you’ll meet new people, make lasting friendships, and share experiences that you’ll remember for years to come.
- Improved Self-Esteem: Each challenge you complete helps you build confidence in yourself and your abilities. As you achieve your goals, you’ll see your self-worth grow.
- Essential Life Skills: The DofE helps you develop important skills like resilience, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork—skills that are valuable in both work and life.
- Enhanced Opportunities: The DofE is highly respected by employers and universities, giving you an edge when applying for jobs or higher education. It shows that you’re driven, organised, and prepared for the challenges of adult life.
Our Commitment to You
At Somerford Youth and Community Centre, we are a Licensed Organisation (LO) for the DofE programme and are proud to be the only community-based centre offering the award locally. Our aim is to support young people, especially those who might not have the means or confidence to take part in the DofE on their own.
We’re here to guide and encourage you every step of the way, ensuring that you not only complete the programme but truly benefit from everything it has to offer. With our support, you’ll have the resources and motivation you need to achieve your goals and set yourself up for future success.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your personal development and join the DofE, we’d love to help you get started. Whether you’re aiming for Bronze, Silver, or Gold, the experience will be one you’ll never forget.