Awards Plus Open Programme

The Awards Plus Open Programme is a combination of Drop-ins, Expeditions Programme and opportunities to explore a range of nature-based youth awards, especially for young people who may be unfamiliar or unsure of them.

It offers personalised, practical support including help with DofE/eDofE administration and Sections completion, and highlights activities can contribute to more than one award and be part of personal pathways.

The Open Programme brings together young people from different backgrounds and geographies, making sure they don’t miss out due to practical, logistical, financial reasons, to additional support needs, or for reasons associated with mental health difficulties.

What is the Awards Plus Open Programme?

It’s a combination of Drop-ins, an Expeditions Programme for individuals, and nature-based youth awards activities and support.

It includes:

Personalised, practical support and guidance
Opportunities to participate and complete a range of nature-based youth awards, especially for young people who may be unfamiliar or unsure of them
Support for DofE/eDofE administration and Sections completion
A consistent and welcoming space for support, sharing and meeting other young people.

It highlights that activities can contribute to more than one award and be part of personal pathways. It’s individual rather than group-focused, bringing together young people from different backgrounds and geographies.

Who is it for?

Young people aged 14-25, from Edinburgh & The Lothians, who may be missing out on opportunities due to:

There’s no need to be part of an existing a group. Individuals and referrals from youth groups and schools welcome. Registered volunteers are welcome to assist and to work towards awards outcomes themselves.

Awards & Activities

Opportunities, guidance and direct delivery include:

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (including eDofE, Sections, Expeditions) John Muir Award, Heritage Hero Awards, Scottish Junior Forester Award, Junior Ranger Award, Saltire Award, Junior Award Scheme for Schools/JASS and others.
Skills-based awards including Ramblers Scotland’s Out There Award, Lowland Leader Award, National Navigation Award Scheme, First Aid, Leave No Trace.
Awards Plus Expeditions Programme for individuals, focused on DofE Bronze, Silver, Gold Levels.
Drop-in sessions for individual support, sharing, skills/award-related inputs
Themed initiatives – participation, pointers e.g. Proxy Walks, 30 Days Wild, #iWill
Signposting to activity, training and volunteering opportunities with partner organisations

Drop-ins: Introductions, Information, In-person

When: 5-7pm, 8th November and 6th December
Where: The Risk Factory, 20 New Mart Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RL

Meet our team and other young people, hear about how you can use your interests and skills to achieve awards, certificates and qualifications.

Come along to

sort out award-related questions/issues/support needs
share experiences, ideas, opportunities
find out more about awards, Sections, skills

Get involved

Contact Amber Williams, below

to introduce yourself and just say hi
for further information on Awards Plus, Open Programme, Drop-ins
to register to receive a monthly email update
to say you’d like to attend a Drop-in
to register interest in Expeditions
to sign up for activities, awards support and specific programmes/awards/activities

Dates:

See Calendar page for latest confirmed dates, how to book activities, events and expeditions

Contact:

Amber Williams
1:1 Mentoring & Youth Awards Support Worker amber.williams@awardsplus.org.uk