Young people experiencing homelessness in Yorkshire are re-writing their futures as they learn vital new skills through DofE.

The 18-25 year-olds who live in Centrepoint accommodation in Bradford and Barnsley, can now develop essential lifelong skills through their DofE, whilst building their confidence and establishing strong connections within the community.

These experiences are more vital than ever, as new research from Centrepoint reveals today that youth homelessness is on the rise in the Yorkshire and Humber region, with figures increasing by 7% to 8,331 in the year 2024-25.

In Sheffield and Barnsley, those numbers are even starker, with the number of young people who have presented as homeless or at risk of homelessness rising from 808 to 1,265 in Sheffield in the same period – an increase of 56%. And from 365 to 508 in Barnsley – an increase of 39%.

Today, young people welcomed Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South and Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, to Centrepoint’s Barnsley centre to demonstrate the impact the DofE is having on them and their local communities.

Participants who met with Ruth Marvel OBE and Stephanie Peacock MP demonstrated the team-building and communication skills that they have developed through their DofE Award. Participants gathered in teams for a ‘beetle drive’ activity, using their map-reading, Countryside Code and first aid skills to locate items for a tent, which they rapidly pitched, in a race against each other. They also shared stories of how The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has helped them gain confidence and skills for their future.

Mo, from Barnsley, who is doing his Bronze DofE Award through Centrepoint said: “Ever since I joined Centrepoint and heard about The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, I’ve wanted to participate in it. I love walking, I love the outdoors, so this is the perfect chance to be in nature with the people that I care about. I was meant to do it last year, but I got injured at the last minute which I was gutted about. I’m just so excited, I’ve been waiting 12 months to do it. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to get the chance to prove to people that I complete it.”

Taking part in DofE can be a game-changer for young people, strengthening their resilience and helping their job or further education applications thanks to the communication and teamwork skills they develop through the Award.

Toni Beevers, DofE leader at Centrepoint Barnsley, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for these young people, creating memories and skills that will last them a lifetime. They’ve approached every activity with a passion and energy that’s infectious and I’m just in awe of how hard they’ve tried throughout. For the young people starting DofE this year I’m sure their attitude will be the same. I’m so excited to see them learn, grow and have as much fun as possible.”

DofE participants at Centrepoint have undertaken a variety of activities for their Award sections including cleaning and restoring a Girlguiding and Scouts campsite through their Volunteering section. They have also taken part in their DofE Expedition section, and activities including longboarding and music appreciation.

The partnership between the DofE, the UK’s leading youth development programme, and Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, has been made possible by generous support from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and The Julia Rausing Trust. So far, eight participants have successfully achieved a Bronze DofE Award through the initial pilot programme at Centrepoint Bradford. Following the success of the pilot, DofE provision was expanded to Centrepoint in Barnsley where four participants are currently working towards their Bronze Awards.

Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “This exciting partnership with Centrepoint embodies the essence of what DofE stands for – a deep-seated belief in the power and potential of young people, combined with giving them the practical tools needed to help them develop and thrive.

“For the most marginalised young people in our society, such as those experiencing homelessness, a DofE Award can help them develop the confidence and skills they need to positively change the trajectory of their life – opening doors to employment, boosting wellbeing and forging connections with their local communities. As a leading youth charity, we will continue to work with our partners and generous funders to ensure that all young people, no matter their circumstances, can access a life-changing DofE Award.”