No Young Person Left Behind
We want to reach 250,000 more young people by 2026. And it starts right now, with young people already waiting for the chance to start their DofE journey today.
In just a few months, a new group of young people will begin their DofE journey. They’ll gain new skills, make new friends, and discover that they’re capable of much more than they ever imagined.
But not every young person gets that opportunity – especially those from lower income backgrounds. Right now, 4.5 million young people in the UK live in poverty and that means missed chances, lost confidence, and futures shaped by hardship.
Together, we can make sure that no young person is left behind.
“Through DofE, I’ve learnt English, made friends, and gained confidence. The volunteering and activities like cricket have helped me feel a part of my community and opened doors to new opportunities.”
Why your support is crucial
The last few years have been especially hard for young people. Youth clubs are closing, the cost of living is rising, and the happiness and confidence of 16–25-year-olds is at a 14-year low – with young people most worried about money and their mental health. Their futures feel uncertain, and the benefits of taking part in the DofE have never been more important to young people.
The DofE can act as a protective shield against these challenges by helping young people to:
- Boost their wellbeing: After achieving their Award, young people have higher life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose
- Build a sense of belonging: 78% of Award holders feel like they belong in their community compared to just 53% of their peers nationally
- Gain hope for the future: DofE helps young people build confidence, resilience and essential life skills – enabling them to discover their full potential.
Donate to support young people
“I’ve grown up without lots of money, so we were incredibly grateful to receive funding; it was a big weight off my mum’s shoulders.”
How you can help
We want to reach 250,000 more young people by 2026 and remove financial hardship as a barrier to a life-changing DofE programme. And it starts right now, with the next group of young people.
Together, we can make sure that no young person is left behind.
Donate to support young people
“If I didn’t receive funding, I wouldn’t have had the chance to do DofE.”
– Jay, Silver Award holder
Support for young people
For nearly 70 years, DofE has been inspiring millions of young people, from all walks of life, to explore who they are, grow their confidence and develop the skills they need to successfully navigate life.
If you are a young person, or just someone looking to find out more about the DofE, you can read more about the work we do and our impact.
“DofE has helped me to try new things and push myself to do things I wouldn’t normally do.”
