Award scheme adds Perth open group

A new Duke of Edinburgh Award open group is starting up in Perth for young people with additional support needs.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) has been around for 60 years and helps young people aged 14-24 to learn new skills, discipline and organisation, help other people and have fun.

But for some young people taking part can be difficult due to disability, lack of opportunity or lack of confidence.

The new open group will let them come together with other youngsters and volunteers.

Emma Burtles, a lead officer with the Duke of Edinburgh Association, said: “We hope to start up similar groups in other towns in Perth and Kinross in the future so that no one who wants to take part, misses out.

“In order to run these groups we do needs lots of volunteers so we are recruiting people who are able to give a bit of time to support a young person with additional support needs to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award or to support a group.”

Mark Tinto completed his gold Duke of Edinburgh Award last year.

His dad Graeme said: “He found the four-day expedition a real challenge but the companionship within the group was fantastic.”

Graeme said completing tasks and challenges hugely boosted Mark’s self-belief and helped prepare him for his transition into residential care in the near future.

For more information contact Emma Burtles on emma@dofedoocot.plus.com or 07881 991176.