Duke Of Edinburgh Award Plaque Presented To Caerphilly Council

Caerphilly County Borough Council has been presented with a plaque for its contributions to the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

For over 25 years the award has been delivered within the county and approximately 150 young people have achieved the award each year through volunteering within their community, learning a new skill and for Gold, taking part in a week long residential. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Jared Lougher, Sport Development Manager, Richard Batten, DofE Officer and Carole Challenger, who works as part of the Education Safeguarding Team, were invited to Buckingham Palace earlier last month to accept the award on behalf of the Authority at the Diamond Anniversary Gold Award Presentation. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Members of the Royal Family: HRH Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Earl of Wessex and HRH Countess of Wessex congratulated those who were awarded. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Carole and her safeguarding colleagues have been instrumental in helping children access the DofE scheme, as some young people are often over looked due to the complexities of their circumstances. Looked after children, aged 14 and older, belonging to, or educated by Caerphilly can access the scheme, which is a unique approach in Wales. Taking part within the DofE positively impacts a young person’s future, enabling them to gain valuable skills for their education and careers. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of the DofE Charity said: “Through the DofE, Caerphilly Council is inspiring the success of its young people; equipping them with the attributes and skills to get a job and build strong relationships whilst opening up their worlds and introducing them to a broad range of interests. We are truly grateful to all of our Licensed Organisations for the work that they do, they are an integral part of the DofE family, and our Diamond Anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services said, “The DofE provides young people with valuable skills and knowledge which can positively impact their future. Thank you to everyone who works tirelessly to provide young people, in the borough, with the opportunity to take part in the awards. As a registered DofE organisation it is great to be recognised for the Authority’s continuous participation with the charity.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

If you are between the ages of 14-25 and interested in taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, you can contact the Caerphilly Adventures on 01495 221058 or email Richard Batten, DofE Officer, batter@caerphilly.gov.uk. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​