Young people's achievements celebrated at Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Over 300 young people from South Ayrshire received their Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a prizegiving ceremony on Thursday 6 March.

South Ayrshire Council's Thriving Communities service held the awards ceremony at Troon Town Hall which was attended by parents, carers, school staff, and members of the community.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is open to young people aged 14-24 at three levels - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. To achieve the Bronze and Silver awards, participants must complete all four sections - volunteering, a physical activity or sport, learning a skill, and going on an expedition - and for the Gold Award they must also complete a residential stay.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to improve their confidence and self-esteem, make friends, give back to their community, and learn essential skills for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and ambition.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is also a great addition to any young person's CV and makes a positive impression on personal statements and applications for university, college, and jobs due to the skills garnered in achieving the accolade.

Our Thriving Communities team support the expedition section of the award, as well as offering a residential stay at Dolphin House for those undertaking the Gold Award.

For the first time this year, the team also offered an exciting training, mentoring, and volunteering programme. This programme focussed on delivery of the expedition section across South Ayrshire, and specifically training of those who aspire to become Duke of Edinburgh Leaders and continued development for existing Leaders. The fantastic range of opportunities on offer included National Governing Body approved hill walking awards, bespoke outdoor first aid training, and minibus driving training and assessments.

Councillor William Grant, Education Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "Its wonderful to see so many young people attaining the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award and garnering all the life skills that come along with completing it!

"Our Thriving Communities team do a fantastic job supporting the young people in achieving the award and providing training opportunities - as well as putting on a very special awards ceremony to give the participating young people the recognition they deserve."