GWR grant boost for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The DofE Resilience Fund was set up last October so more young people facing disadvantage can start their DofE and develop new skills, confidence and resilience to help them cope with the challenges of today and tomorrow.

With young people facing some of the biggest challenges of any generation due to the pandemic, the DofE wants to reach out to as many young people as possible, especially those facing disadvantage and likely to be most affected.

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

This extra funding to the Resilience Fund will help the DofE reach more young people who need support the most.

DofE Head of Corporate Partnerships Alex Hay said:

“Young people, especially those facing disadvantage are facing extraordinary challenges due to the pandemic. Opportunities to develop academically, socially and emotionally have been restricted, many young people are facing mental health and well-being issues, and uncertainty in their futures, particularly around jobs.   

“We have seen how the DofE has helped young people cope with the challenges of the past year, providing them with a structure to develop skills, support communities and build confidence and resilience. The DofE has a proud history of helping young people and in these challenging times, it is all the more relevant, especially for those young people most affected,

“The DofE builds the character and attitude that businesses are increasingly prioritising over academic results. Achieving a DofE Award helps to level the playing field and offers possibility of progressing in education or securing a job interview, so by supporting the DofE, you are supporting young people facing disadvantage when they need it the most.”

As the world’s leading youth achievement award, the DofE equips young people aged 14 to 25 with the skills, experience and confidence to successfully navigate adult life. In 2019-20, more than 295,000 young people began their DofE, 25% of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds.

GWR’s funding will help the DofE fund participation places at all levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – for disadvantaged young people and support plans to fund online training for adult volunteers so that DofE centres can upskill potential volunteers and increase capacity to reach more young people.

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to help community or other not-for-profit organisations. GWR already participate in the DofE programme and we are aware of the impact it has on our young apprentices who take part.

“After completing their Gold DofE programme, they come away inspired, engaged and more confident to take on work life. Therefore, we were delighted to be able to support this vital training.”

To find out more about the DofE please visit dofe.org

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 
Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us