Team gets £10,250 to give youngsters royal inspiration

YOUNG people are being offered the chance to tackle the Duke of Edinburgh award (Dofe) thanks to new funding for a community group.

Aspire 2 Inspire Communities, based on Regent Street, has received just over £10,250 for more than three years to help them run the Dofe for the young people they work with. It comes from the Dofe’s Access Without Limits funding.

Kalsoom Khanum,

Director of Aspire 2 Inspire Communities, said: “A lot of the young people we work with have never had the opportunity to do something like the Dofe.

“Having this chance will help our young people when applying for college and university, build their confidence, bring mental health benefits by helping them connect with nature, and give them lifelong skills.”

Aspire 2 Inspire Communities works with young people from black and minority ethnic communities, new and emerging communities, refugees and asylum seekers, families facing financial hardship, and young people with additional needs, disabilities and language difficulties.

Helen Foster, Director of Dofe North of England, said: “Doing your Dofe can be a life-changing experience.

“It gives young people a chance to have fun, discover new talents and passions, build their resilience and self-belief, make a difference in their communities, and pick up practical skills like leadership, teamwork and problem-solving - so they’re able to fulfil their potential and succeed in whatever they choose to do.

“It’s more important than ever that all young people get access to opportunities like this.”