Post created to help youngsters

THE Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme has created a new role in a bid to support and help local young people get involved.

The two-year post will support more than 240 young people from 12 local schools and youth groups taking part in the programme, which develops their skills for life and work.

A Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme involves volunteering, learning a skill, getting fit, and planning and undertaking an expedition in the countryside.

Other work-ready skills, such as confidence, commitment, resilience and team working, are all developed on the programme.

The new post in Dundee and Angus is the first investment the DofE charity has made in the region.

Chris Wood, the new centre support officer, will help local schools to grow their DofE programmes in a sustainable way.

His work will include training new leaders and focusing on getting more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds involved.

Barry Fisher, director of DofE Scotland, said: “We anticipate that through this investment we can bring about transformational change in the schools and youth groups that will be supported over the next two years.

“We hope to enable many more young people of all backgrounds to take part in the life-changing programme.”

Margo Williamson, strategic director of children and learning with Angus Council, said: “We are delighted that this investment is coming to Angus.”