Community Impact:

change maker
of the year

Kindly supported by British Airways

Dora in a white shirt hands a stack of colorful knitted items to a nurse in a blue uniform at a reception desk in a hospital setting. The background features computers and a welcoming environment, indicating a healthcare facility.

dora

For her DofE Volunteering section, Dora didn’t need to think twice. She chose to support residents at a care home, help at a local food bank, and get involved with the Royal Berkshire Hospital – a place close to her heart, as both her parents work there. Having grown up around the hospital, Dora saw it as the perfect opportunity to give back.

At the hospital, Dora made a meaningful impact. She helped create care packages for patients and organised a gift drive over Christmas which raised over 100 gifts for the paediatric ward. Associate Chief Nurse, Sharon, credits Dora’s amazing impact and sees how important it is for youth voices, like Dora’s, to be involved in the hospital and do amazing work for patients.

Dora played a key role in creating a radio show designed specifically for teenagers and children. She’s also a youth governor and an active member of the youth forum at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. In this role, she takes part in ward projects, exploring what’s working well and finding ways to make improvements.

“I think it's really important that patients know that they have a voice. Being able to voice concerns gives them a bit more autonomy with their care.” 

Dora

One of the biggest projects for Dora is promoting the “Call 4 Concern” initiative which allows patients and their families to voice any concerns they have about their hospital care. As someone who has had family in hospital, Dora believes it is important “both the families and patients have a voice at the table.” As a member of the youth forum, Dora recognises how crucial it is for young people to also feel part of this process by raising their concerns and getting advice from someone if they’re feeling worried or concerned.

“I can summarise Dora in three words: positive, vibrant and driven. She brings people together and provides light in otherwise dark times.” 

Abbi
Dora's dad

Dora stands with her dad. They both have their arms round each other and are smiling to camera. The background is slightly blurred but we can see they are outside.Dora stands with her dad. They both have their arms round each other and are smiling to camera. The background is slightly blurred but we can see they are outside.

Dora was nominated for Change Maker of the Year by her dad, Abbi, and he hopes that other young people see it as inspiration to follow her path. In the future, Dora plans to study medicine, knowing that her first-hand experience in hospital has given her a good foundation for working with patients. She says her DofE experience gave her “tons of resilience”, time management and allowed her to step out of her comfort zone.

special mention

Dora is wrapping toys, on the table there is lots of wrapping paper and we can see a close up shot of two hands wrapping presents.
Rashid sits casually in a chair outdoors. He is wearing a black button-up shirt and a black durag, with a calm and confident expression on his face. His gaze is directed slightly off-camera. The setting features a wooden wall in the background and part of a light-colored chair, adding to the relaxed and natural atmosphere. His posture is laid-back with his arm resting on the armrest.

rashid

Rashid’s journey through the DofE showcases resilience, empathy, and leadership. As a care-experienced unaccompanied asylum seeker, he has overcome significant challenges, becoming a compassionate leader and a mentor to his DofE group. Fluent in several languages, including Arabic, Rashid connects easily with young people from similar backgrounds, including his foster brother, offering them guidance and understanding. His peers, who nickname him “King,” admire his calm strength and steady support.    

His leader, Ryan, highlights Rashid’s impact: “Rashid brings stability to young men from similar backgrounds, like his foster brother.” This stability was evident during a Bronze expedition when Rashid’s team took a wrong turn. As the only non-English speaker, Rashid led them back confidently, refusing to place blame and turning the misstep into a lesson in resilience and unity.    

Rashid’s commitment extends beyond expeditions – during Ramadan, he used a travel exemption to remain with his cohort, ensuring his continuous support. Rashid’s journey is a powerful example of a leadership grounded in empathy, kindness, and courage, uniting and inspiring his community with quiet strength. 

meet the winners

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