How a Young Carer broke down barriers through doing DofE

A heartfelt letter to one of our Operations Officers brought home what an impact DofE can have on young people.

The pupil from Eden Girls’ School in Coventry came from a large family and helped care for her dad – as well as coping with the usual juggling act of balancing GCSE studies with living her normal, teenage life!

She said:

“My mental health and time were one of my biggest barriers to completing my Award because there were lots of things happening in my life at the time. I learned to overcome my barriers by pushing myself and looking at them positively, and my friend would encourage me to go and keep me in a good mood.”

“I have built up on my leadership skills, and I have learned more about myself that I have never known.”

“DofE is a great opportunity for me to develop leadership and life skills. It also gave me a break from my busy, daily life and let me connect to nature, doing the things I love. The programme was enjoyable and has allowed me to have a healthy lifestyle by doing 6 months of netball for my physical.”

Through doing her Bronze DofE Award, the participant found a new passion for netball, helping to coach younger players for her Volunteering section and getting involved herself in the Physical section. It’s now become her favourite pastime. She also took on the task of learning calligraphy for her Skills section.

The participant had been worried that she would need to get a part-time job to fund her DofE but was lucky enough to get funding from Pertemps Coventry & Warwickshire.

She wrote:

“I was and still am incredibly delighted … I broke down in tears and still cannot believe it.”

“I am now able to participate and have wonderful experiences with my friends. I was really worried that my mum couldn’t pay for it. This has also reduced my stress levels and improved my mental health because now I don’t have this additional thing to worry about.”

If you think a young person could benefit from funding, please speak with your Operations Officer to check what could be available.