14th December 2018
There was plenty of tasty treats and festive cheer at South Devon College recently as a keen group of the College’s Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) students hosted afternoon tea and cake for members of local charity Age UK Torbay.
The event was organised by students from the 14-19 Re-Engagement (C2C) programme, with many enjoying the chance to engage with the local community group, hold discussions about their recent expeditions and hopes for the new year, all whilst keeping the guests hot drinks full and plates full of cakes!
Established in 1980, Age UK Torbay is a local independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of the elderly people in the community through various services and activities. Operating across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the charity is committed to making retirement and later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for all its members – enabling those to continue to live life to the fullest through community activity participation and social opportunities.
The event caps what’s been a notable year for the College’s DofE Award programme. In March there were huge celebrations to mark both the 10 year anniversary of the extra-curriculum programme’s launch and also the College receiving a vital £10,000 investment from the Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Fund.
This followed by news in November of the College recording a milestone 100 students enrolling on to the award. The extra-curriculum programme now boasts a wide variety of students representing several course areas with students from Public Services, Learning Opportunities, and many more enjoying the benefits of the various expeditions and activities.
The DofE programme helps provides young people across the South Devon region with the platform to develop life-changing skills such as communication, resilience and teamwork. However with each programme there’s a growing need for volunteers to lead groups and help on expedition programmes. Full training can be provided through courses with volunteers offered the chance to gain qualifications in first aid and expeditions at the same time.
To find out more about joining the DofE and how it enables young people to succeed, please visit DofE.org or contact Rich Blagden, DofE Co-ordinator at [email protected]