Every year, the DofE helps thousands of 14 to 24-year-olds to thrive., supporting their positive mental health and wellbeing. New research, produced with the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), evidences how, and demonstrates that doing DofE:
– Builds resilience, confidence and supports general wellbeing
– Encourages connection with new people, physical fitness and skills development
– Provides opportunities to step out of comfort zones.
“Before I did DofE, I felt anxious a lot of the time. I believe in myself more now” – DofE participant.
The ability for young people to bounce back and give themselves the best opportunities in life is more important than ever.
In the report, find out how the DofE impacts…
...general wellbeing
– 72% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that doing the DofE is fun and enjoyable.
– 75% agreed or strongly agreed that the DofE has given them the opportunity to face new challenges.
– 78% agreed or strongly agreed that it enhanced their CV or UCAS application.
...confidence and resilience
– 62% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the DofE made them more confident in overcoming difficult situations.
– 61% agreed or strongly agreed that they have become more independent as a result of doing the DofE.
– 70% agreed or strongly agreed that it has made them proud of what they can achieve.
...communication and teamwork
– 45% of respondents who were taking part in community action (Volunteering section) said this activity teaches problem solving.
– 47% of respondents commented that the expedition taught them how to take responsibility for others.
– 44% reported that the residential made them more confident about speaking to people they don’t know very well.
DofE sections and wellbeing
The DofE is made up of five sections: Volunteering, Skills, Physical, Expedition and Residential (Gold only).
We explored how these, and the different activities within them, can be associated with wellbeing.
64% of those who coached, taught or led other people regarded ‘responsibility’ as an important outcome.
56% of respondents said volunteering as part of their DofE made them feel more responsible.
50% said their DofE volunteering made them more confident and 52% reported that it gave them confidence to speak to people they do not know well.
45% of respondents who were taking part in community action and raising awareness for their volunteering noted learning how to work with others to solve problems as an important effect of the activity.
44% of respondents who worked with the environment or animals felt that being able to do something they believe in and learning a new skill were important outcomes of their volunteering.
Respondents indicated that activities in Science and Technology (41%), Music (39%), Performance Arts (38%) and Creative Arts (38%) are particularly good for realising potential and building self-esteem*.
32% commented that this section allowed them to work on something they believe in and 30% felt it has made them more confident.
46% of respondents said the Skills section has given them the opportunity to learn a new skill. 62% of Media and Communication participants, 61% of Science and Technology participants, and 56% of the Natural World participants rated this as a strong effect.
49% of Performance Arts participants said it has made them more confident.
40% of respondents who learnt a Science and Technology skill felt it taught them how to overcome challenges.
48% of respondents who learnt a skill in the Natural World noted that it made them feel more responsible.
*These figures are based on respondents who took part in those activities and felt they were able to work on something they believed in.
63% of respondents said doing the Physical section has made them fitter and healthier.
33% commented it has made them more confident, with 42% of dance participants, 41% of martial arts participants and 38% of extreme sports participants saying it has helped to build confidence.
41% of respondents doing martial arts and 40% of those doing racquet sports rated being able to learn a new skill as an important effect of these activities.
Dance was the activity most associated with enabling DofE participants to work on something they believe in (34%).
22% of respondents taking part in team sports said it made them feel more responsible for others.
51% of respondents said the expedition taught them to overcome challenges.
50% reported that they have a better understanding of how to work with other people to solve problems.
47% commented that they learnt how to take responsibility for others in their group.
47% said the expedition made them physically fitter and healthier.
36% commented that it taught them how to work together with others to solve problems.
39% of respondents said the DofE residential made them more confident.
44% reported they are now more confident about speaking to new people.
34% said the DofE residential helped them learn how to overcome challenges.
View the mental health and wellbeing report
– Watch our animations of Award holders sharing their mental health journey.
– Find out how you or your child can sign up to do the DofE
– If you’d like to run the DofE in your organisation, find out how.
– Donate to the DofE to make a difference to more young people’s lives.
– Visit YoungMinds for help and advice on dealing with mental health challenges.
