Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Torus Foundation is delighted to be able to support young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – let's get started!

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.

14-24 year-olds can apply to do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels, which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.

How old do I need to be?

• Bronze – for those aged 14+ years

• Silver – for those aged 15+ years

• Gold – for those aged 16+ years

If you aren’t 14 yet but are in year 9, you may be able to start a Bronze DofE programme.

Similarly, if you aren’t 15 yet, but are in school year 10, you may be able to start a Silver DofE programme.

What to you if you (or your young person) are interested

To get us started, FireFit Youth and Community Hub and the wider Torus Foundation will be delivering the Bronze Award. 

If you’re a Youth Member at the Hub or parent of a member interested in working towards the Bronze Award, please speak to a Youth Worker next time you visit FireFit. 

If you’ve not signed up to be a member of FireFit Youth and Community Hub yet, please email dofe@torusfoundation.org.uk for more information and get you involved. 

Important dates for those signed up for the next round of Duke of Edinburgh Award participants

• DofE Drop-In for participants
  Every Tuesday, 5pm – 6pm
  Need guidance or support with completing your DofE sections? Drop-In on a Tuesday to speak with our dedicated DofE team.
  
  
• Practise Hike
  21st February 2024
  Location: TBC
  This is an excellent opportunity to build your outdoor skills and stamina. Team building activities will also take place.
  
  
• DofE Expedition Parent and Guardian Evening
  21st February 2024
  Parents, join us to learn all our the upcoming DofE expedition. Get insights on what to expect and how to support your child to complete theirs.
  
  
• Expedition Training
  April - 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th and 11th
  This will include two-day trips
  Training provided to prepare you for your upcoming expedition training to include first aid, navigation and route planning, map skills, camp craft, food and cooking, countryside safety signs and teambuilding.
  
  
• Expedition Dates (Choose One)
  Option 1: Tuesday 28th – Wednesday 29th May 2024
  Option 2: Tuesday 23rd – Wednesday 24th July 2024
  The moment you will have been waiting for! Your unforgettable DofE Expedition a chance to put your skills to the test.
  
  
• DofE Celebration and Awards
  Celebrations will take place in August 2024 - specific date to be confirmed
  It is time to celebrate your achievements! Join us for a night of recognition, and awards to celebrate your DofE journey!

Please note the above details may change depending on circumstances, but the team will keep all participants up to date.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the team.