NOA Spotlight

NOA Spotlight – Nexus Fostering

Nexus Care is a well-established fostering agency that has been making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people in care since 2002. As part of their vision, they continue to enable life-changing differences for vulnerable young people coming into care.

Nexus Care began their DofE journey in January 2022, becoming a National Operating Authority. This now enables them to offer and support their young people in gaining their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award throughout their time in Nexus Care.

When asked why Nexus decided to get involved with DofE, DofE manager, Ryan said “We started this journey to give our children chances they wouldn’t have had, choices that weren’t available to them, challenges they could handle but wouldn’t normally face and ownership of all of these things and thankfully the DofE was there to help. We see it as more than a cheerleading exercise, but future building”.

Ryan is also identifying new ways to share their young people’s stories when photographs are not always an option. Have a look at the recent video he has created about DofE for us – Amazing! Thank you Ryan!

Since the start of the year, the Nexus team have been attending Introduction to DofE courses to teach them the skills to support their young people through their Award, with participants already getting stuck into activities including learning the piano, teaching and playing rugby, darts as well as volunteering to help the elderly in their communities.

Ops Officer William said “I thrive on the opportunity to work with Nexus Fostering and the young people they look after. The purpose and direction the DofE offers the young people is huge and it is always fun to hear the young people have difficulty in choosing their section activities because of the opportunities available to them”