Plymouth hosts first Duke of Edinburgh gold residential for youth

Plymouth's Mount Batten Centre hosted its first Duke of Edinburgh's gold award residential this half term involving five young people from across the UK.

The 'Get into Maritime' residential focused on the marine sector by offering young people the chance to complete nationally recognised qualifications including the Royal Yachting Association Awards in Dinghy Sailing, Emergency First Aid and the British Canoe Union 1 Star award in Kayaking.

Plymouth is one of the 51 locations approved to hold DofE gold residentials and the only one in the South West to host solely sailing and paddling activities. A DofE residential must take place over five days and be in an environment unfamiliar to those young people involved and outside their usual friendship group.

Emma, who travelled from Nottingham, commented: "I've never tried sailing or kayaking before but I really wanted to give them a go. I found that I really liked these water sports and I completed a qualification in them both. It's been a really fun week and I loved getting out on the sea in a powerboat the most!"

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards are really taking off in Plymouth and our Youth Service is doing a fantastic job of finding passionate and dedicated local organisations and volunteers to team up with to provide excellent opportunities for young people. The Mount Batten Centre is a really fantastic example of the power of co-operative working – combining forces to give young people the chance to experience and live life to the full."

Plymouth City Council and the Mount Batten Centre have now opened the ninth DofE Open Award Centre offering recognition of the amazing achievements young people make in the city. The Award, valued by employers nationally, accredits activities themed under headings including volunteering (soul), physical (body) and skills (mind) at bronze or silver levels as well as residential at gold.

Sam Waites, Water Sports Manager at the Mount Batten Centre, said: "The experience DofE gives youngsters is at the heart of what we do here already - giving young people the time of their lives learning about themselves and the environment around them."

Open award centres are a chance for individuals to get valuable information, register, update their progress and complete their expeditions in a team of new friends. The Mount Batten Open Award Centre is unique in the region in its ability to offer expeditions on foot but with the opportunity to take part in kayak or sailing expeditions run by the knowledgeable staff at the water sports centre.

Phil Morris, youth worker, explains: "The DofE is growing in Plymouth. Not only are more schools on a greater scale taking up the Award locally, but there are also new open award centres run by staff and volunteers. Young people can make new friends, have fun, take on and conquer new challenges, as well as see some fantastic places and experience new things."

Young people (aged 14 upwards) are invited to come along to:

• Mount Batten Centre (the first Monday in the month) 6.30pm to 8.30pm
• Compton Methodist Church (every Monday) 7.30pm to 8.45pm
• Plympton Rees Youth Centre (every Monday) 6pm to 8.30pm
• Southway Youth Centre (second Tuesday of the month) 6.30pm to 8.30pm
• Honicknowle (third Tuesday of the month) 6pm to 9pm
• Efford Torridge Way Library (last Tuesday of the month) Headspace 6pm to 8pm
• Efford Youth Centre (last Tuesday of the month) Young Carers 6pm to 9pm
• Stoke Blockhouse Youth and Community Centre (every Friday) 5pm to 7pm
• Life Centre (every Friday) 6.30pm to 9pm

For more information call 01752 398585 or email duke-of-edinburgh@plymouth.gov.uk