Duke of Edinburgh's Award

BLUE BOOK 2011-2012
Contact:
Jeff Brown, DofE Manager
(01823) 410167
jbrown@somerset.gov.uk
Helen Watkins, Coordinator
(01823) 410132
hwatkins@somerset.gov.uk
Anne Blight, Field Officer (South Somerset)
(01823) 410132
dofe@somerset.gov.uk
Jane Kearney, Field Officer (Taunton Deane, Sedgemoor and West Somerset)
(01823) 410137
jkearney@somerset.gov.uk
Trish Wedlake, Field Officer (Mendip)
07919 540181
twedlake@somerset.gov.uk
South West Regional Office –Peter Singleton - (01249) 701000
National Award Headquarters, Windsor - (01753) 727400
www.DofE.org
www.six.somerset.gov.uk/sccoea/
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary non-competitive programme of practical,
cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social
development of young people aged 14 to 25 years.
The DofE Programme offers opportunities to challenge both Gifted and Talented and
underachieving young people. The programme has many other benefits, including
developing or discovering:

- a sense of achievement
- new skills and interests
- self confidence and self reliance
- leadership skills and abilities
- exciting opportunities
- friendship
- experience of team work, national and international connections
- enjoyment
The County Council is an Operating Authority, licensed to run the programme in
Somerset. Under the leadership of the DofE Manager, Jeff Brown, a team of staff assist
the development of The DofE across the County. A comprehensive programme of
training and guidance is available to centres wishing to train staff/volunteers to run the
DofE. The Operating Authority team can also support The DofE in centres through
trained staff and a programme of Open Expeditions. For further details contact the DofE
Manager for an initial discussion.
The DofE offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake
constructive, challenging and enjoyable activities in their free time. It is a four section
programme with three progressive levels:
Bronze (for those aged 14 and over)
Silver (for those aged 15 and over)
Gold (for those aged 16 and over)
The sections include:
- Volunteering
- Expedition
- Skills
Helping other people in the local community
Training for, planning and completing a journey on foot, cycle, horse,
canoe, boat or dinghy
Covering almost any hobby, skill or interest
- Physical Recreation
Undertaking a sport, dance or fitness activity
- Residential Section (Gold Award only)
A purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the
participant
For further information on The DofE contact the DofE Manager.