SERVICE DETAILS
Service Update - Covid-19
We are now up and running, and we're ready to support new and existing youth centres, schools and individuals to take part in the DofE. Our staff can attend schools and youth centres subject to a site-specific risk assessment, and we are offering remote support to individuals through our Open Group via email, phone and video call.
Our Youth Development Project aims to support the personal and social development of young people in Edinburgh through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
We support disadvantaged and marginalised young people to gain confidence, learn new skills and to work towards achieving this prestigious, accredited award as recognition of their achievements and their transferable skills.
Participating in the wide range of activities that a DofE Programme involves helps to increase confidence, reduce social isolation and improves access to education, training and employment for young people.
The project is initially funded for three years from September 2020 through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Children and Families Main Grants Programme and it is being delivered through three different strands.
YOUTH ORGANISATIONS...
We support youth clubs and other youth organisations to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to disadvantaged and marginalised young people in their local area. Our Development Officers work alongside youth organisation staff to enrol groups of participants in the DofE and help them with their sectional activities including expeditions. At the same time we will mentor the youth organisation staff as DofE Leaders and Centre Co-ordinators so that DofE can become part of the core youth work of the organisation in the long term.
If your youth club or youth organisation is interested in offering DofE, please contact us for an initial chat. Please email ydp@fota.org.uk.
SCHOOL ASN UNITS...
We support a small number of Edinburgh high schools to offer DofE to young people with additional support needs. Our Development Officers will work alongside school staff to enrol a group of participants in the DofE and help them with their sectional activities including expeditions. At the same time we will mentor the school staff members as DofE Leaders so that DofE can become part of the core youth work of the organisation in the long term.
Edinburgh school staff who have a group of eligible young people who would like to take part in DofE with our support can contact us for an initial chat. Please email ydp@fota.org.uk.
OPEN DOFE GROUP...
For individual participants who are unable to take part in the DofE through their school or youth organisation, we offer an online “Open” DofE group. We will offer regular drop-in sessions, remote DofE Leadership by phone or video call, and participation in our Open Expeditions programme.
Participation is free and the Open group is open to participants from SIMD 1 and 2 areas, BAME backgrounds and to participants with additional support needs. Capacity may be limited.
Participants can get in touch with us directly, or via their parents, or via a youth or support worker. Please email ydp@fota.org.uk.
