Michelle hasn’t just seen one of her children benefit from doing their DofE – she’s seen five.

Like most parents, Michelle just wants to see her children to believe in themselves and have the confidence to do what they want to do and through their personalised DofE programmes; Brandon, Breanna, Ellesha, Jay and Larna did just that.

All five of Michelle’s children did their DofE at The Studio, a community organisation in Widnes, Halton. For her, The Studio is a place where she’s able to see her children thrive while being in a comfortable environment and for her children, it’s somewhere they can relax, be themselves and make connections. Michelle says that by her children doing their DofE in a smaller, more personal environment than school means they don’t feel out of their depth or overwhelmed.

Brandon is one of Michelle’s quieter children who has grown in confidence through his DofE. While his siblings were already doing their Silver Award, he felt inspired to start his Bronze Award. Michelle says “Brandon has thrown himself out of his comfort zone and gained new levels of independence as a result.”

Breanna usually doesn’t like doing new things and being around new people, says Michelle. However, through doing her DofE at The Studio, she gained “resilience, confidence and team building” as well as making new friends.

Ellesha previously attended a behavioural school, but since starting DofE Michelle says she has “changed dramatically”. The Studio offered a safe environment where she could channel her energy into something positive and learn how to work as part of a team. Since discovering her sense of teamwork, Ellesha has been able to empower herself and the team with her enthusiasm and motivation. Michelle says seeing Ellesha transform from a “troubled time into someone who is caring and compassionate” has meant a lot.

Jay was always “a quiet kid” but Michelle has seen him transform through doing his DofE at The Studio and through GLOW, an LGBTQ+ youth group, “he is pushing himself “to get out there and be around people.”

Larna initially came to Ellesha’s DofE session to give her sister moral support, and within a week she had signed up. Michelle recognises that she has “grown massively with leadership skills and gained a lot of independence.” These leadership skills have translated directly into her role as a Young Leader with Scouts. Michelle says “the younger children absolutely adore Larna and go to her for help and advice.”

For Michelle, she saw the biggest difference in her children during their Volunteering section. Many of her children chose to support both The Studio and Scouts for their volunteering hours, and she has seen how this responsibility empowers them while developing their natural leadership skills and making them good role models for the next generation.

Combined with everything else they do for their DofE, Michelle has seen her children gain confidence and independence as they’re putting themselves out there and pushing barriers. Going forward, she hopes they take their new-found self-belied into the world and whatever they do next.

“My children are putting themselves out there, they’re pushing barriers that they wouldn’t ever have thought of doing before.”