Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Are you aged between 14 and 24? Interested in exploring new territories, building new skills and taking on adventures?
We are looking for individuals to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Not heard of it? Don’t worry, here’s a brief synopsis. The scheme is a flexible programme that promotes confidence and independence whilst broadening your horizons. There are three progressive Award levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Members of our young community have taken part in both the Bronze and Silver awards. Please see our DofE Achievements page to take a look at their success!
To find out more please email: amy.gittins@nmcentre.com or sarah.lalieu@nmcentre.com
Participant Profiles
Amy - Gold
Hi, I’m Amy, I’m 22 and doing my Gold D of E Award. I completed my Bronze in school and my Silver Award with the NMC. I’m so privileged to be able to have this opportunity to learn new skills, improve confidence and take part in new adventures all because of the incredible NMC!
For the volunteering section I'm volunteering at Chester zoo as ‘visitor engagement’ where I talk to people around the zoo and answer their questions which is perfect for me.
For my skill section I’ve enrolled on an online counselling course and for my physical section I’ve set a goal of pedaling using the NMC gym pedals for 1 hour a week for 1 year.
I did all my training at the NMC and went on my Gold Practice Expedition at Bendrigg trust last year which was amazing!
My name is Xander. I am 15. I live with my Mum, Dad, my older brother Josh who is away at university most of the time and my dog Shelby. My main hobby is collecting and building Lego sets. I like rock music, Dr Who and watching Marvel and Star Wars films.
I take part in Speak Easy sessions for my skill section. The speak easy sessions are about getting together with other people in the group, talking with each other and playing out scenarios that will help us in the future like talking on the phone to important people.....
Duke of Edinburgh
The Bronze Award
If you’re new to D of E you’ll be starting at the bronze award – the first of 3 levels!
The Bronze Award provides the opportunity for young people across the nation to volunteer, take up a new skill, try a physical activity and tackle an overnight expedition. You only need to spend an hour each week for three months on each section and, depending on which section you enjoy the most (volunteering, physical activity or skill), you will need to complete a further three months of your preferred activity to achieve the Bronze Award.
Not sure which activities qualify? Here are some examples:
This list is by no means exhaustive, there are hundreds of opportunities just waiting to be explored.
Equally as exciting is the prospect of going on a two-day, one-night expedition. We can tailor it to your individual needs and it’s a fantastic way to enhance team work skills and meet new people. Three cohorts of DofE participants have been on their expedition in a beautiful, fully accessible venue in the Lake District so why not follow in their footsteps / wheel tracks?
Take a look at the D of E Achievements page to find out more.
This is the perfect chance to boost your CV or university applications and, most importantly, it will allow you to have fun whilst pushing yourself that extra mile.
Volunteering
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Please see below for further information about volunteering.
Skills
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Arts and craft
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Drama
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Learning a new language
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Dog training
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Blogging
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Learning to drive
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Learning a new hobby
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Music
Physical Activity
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Physiotherapy
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Hydrotherapy
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Powerchair football
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Bowling
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Sailing
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Boccia
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Skiing
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Table Cricket
If this rewarding scheme is of interest, please get in touch with amy.gittins@nmcentre.com or sarah.lalieu@nmcentre.com to find out more.
Volunteering
There is so much you can do that trying to choose can be tricky and overwhelming. Narrowing down your options is a good way to start. Ask yourself do I want to stick with what I know or try something new? Then it’s a case of looking for opportunities, which the NMC can help with. Lots of places are more accessible than you think or can be adapted to be accessible to you. Try not to disregard things because you think you can’t - they’ll be a way you can!
Participants, past and present, have done a wide variety of activities for their Volunteering Section. Here are some of them:
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At a local Library helping to shelve books, read to children or help visitors
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At a primary school helping the children with reading
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At a Girl guides group helping to run the activities
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At a Scouts helping to run the activities
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At a local children’s tennis club helping to do the warm up and keep the peace
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At Chester Zoo as visitor engagement (see our Chester Zoo page for more info)
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At the NMC helping in Fundraising or on reception
Remember – volunteering doesn’t just have to be for D of E, it can greatly benefit you in just your daily life by increasing your confidence, skill set and giving you a reason to get out of bed. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you.
