Part of my work as a Youth and Community Worker at the Plymouth YWCA was the DofE Award; I worked there for 35 years. Through my Time there I worked with hundreds of young people participating in the Award. We ran a Open Award Centre we were lucky to have lots of volunteers helping out with the Award. Because Plymouth is not far from Dartmoor and the sea we encouraged those who were working for their Gold Awards to do their expeditions in Wales, Lake Dist. Scotland these were great weeks away with the young people. We worked with the Probation Service, Young people in special schools. We had many young people who gained their Gold Awards come back to help us with the Bronze Awards. We also worked with many over seas Students who attended Plymouth University. When I retired I started another Open Award Centre at my local Church again with a group of volunteers who helped me at the YWCA.
It was just great to see young people gain new skills they never know they had, challenges doing their expeditions, doing their service section helping the holiday club at the Church. I still get letters, emails from the participants many are now married and with their own families and I still meet up with the volunteers. Two of Our Gold Awardees are helping me on a local Trust known as the Ballard Trust in Plymouth who give out grants to local organisations and grants for school uniforms and books to needed families.
I really got a lot out of it seeing many young peoples lives being changed in many ways. I was fortunate to meet His Royal Highness at the Award presentation, garden parties and at the Award Councils. He always made it easy for you to speak to him and keep you at ease. Thanks for all your inspiration.