Palace honour for youth service

On May 16, Jonathan Jack, from Youth Connexions, attended a once-in-a-lifetime DofE Gold Award presentation at Buckingham Palace.

Youth Connexions received a special plaque, acknowledging its since 1974.

The DofE is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year, having supported millions of young people in the UK and across the globe to achieve DofE Awards since it was founded in 1956.

During that time, Hertfordshire has supported thousands of young people to take part in the scheme.

Youth Connexions holds a licence to deliver DofE programmes to young people aged 14­ to 25.

Chief executive of the DofE Charity, Peter Westgarth, said: “Through the DofE, Youth Connexions is inspiring the success of its young people, equipping them with the attributes and skills to get a job and build strong relationships whilst opening up their worlds and introducing them to a broad range of interests.

“We are truly grateful to all of our licensed organisations for the work that they do. They are an integral part of the DofE family, and our Diamond Anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you.”

To celebrate its 60th year, the charity has launched the DofE Diamond Challenge, which allows people of all ages to take on a DofE-inspired challenge and earn their Diamond Pin.

As well as challenging themselves, people taking part will be raising money for the DofE Charity so that it can transform the lives of more young people and offer free places and bursary grants to those most in need.

To find out more about the DofE Award, visit www.youthconnexions.org