Awards gave me path out of depression

A DUKE of Edinburgh’s Award recipient has said the challenge helped him through his mental health struggles, adding it gave him “a sense of achievement when I was going through my worst”.

Jack Bayley, who completed all the steps to receive a gold award, said at one point his depression was so serious he was placed on suicide watch on a mental health ward.

He said he had found school difficult and felt like an “outcast”, but the award “helped me on a path where I could aim towards something”.

Mr Bayley helped coach a wheelchair football team to fulfil the volunteering aspect of the challenge, and is now planning to become a PE teacher.

Describing finally completing the award, he said: “It felt good for my journey – where I was a couple of years ago compared to now, it felt amazing. Anyone out there going through depression or suicidal thoughts at a young age, take up the Duke of Edinburgh course because I can assure you it will help you.”