New partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Exciting new partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Some of the people we support in Future Choices are taking on a whole new adventure this year. They have signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze or Silver level.

The group will be doing the DofE their way. They have chosen new skills to learn, physical activities to enjoy, and volunteering roles, which will enable them to give back to the community. From drama, cooking, Lego construction and music production to mentoring young children with their martial arts club, there is nothing that our young adults cannot achieve.

Most recently, the team met at a local campsite and learnt how to cook on an open campfire. The day also provided an excellent opportunity to get to know each other better and to start planning their expedition.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition
The expedition will give individuals an even greater opportunity to develop their confidence, independence, team-working, and leadership qualities. They will spend up to 2 nights away from home, supporting each other and experiencing a wild adventure at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development in High Ashurst. To get ready, the team are committed to learning all the skills they will need to look after their bunkhouse, cook and celebrate their achievements.

“The DofE award fits perfectly alongside our Future Choices programme”, explains Ruth Warren, the Employment Support Specialist, who is spearheading the DofE scheme at Surrey Choices. “It will encourage our younger adults to discover and try new things that, without doubt, will also develop their confidence and independence.”

This is the first time Surrey Choices has been licensed to run the DofE scheme, which provides an exciting prospect for individuals to participate in the life-changing programme.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a prestigious award for young people between 14 to 24 years of age and is recognised as a major achievement by colleges and employers nationwide.

Last year when launching the DofE’s new strategy, Youth Without Limits, Ruth Marvel, CEO at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said, “The DofE is right at the heart of the national effort to back young people and help them recover stronger and more resilient in these difficult times.”

Mette Le Jakobsen, CEO at Surrey Choices echoes this sentiment. “Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their goals. Surrey Choices is working with our partners to create an environment where obstacles are overcome, so disability is not a barrier to success. I cannot wait to see what our first group of young people with disabilities and autism will achieve during their DofE journey.”

After the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, his legacy lives on through this life-changing work. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life took place at Westminster Abbey at the end of March 2022, so it is an opportune moment for our partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh scheme to commence.

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