Over 100 enthusiastic young people have begun to complete the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award through the Hounslow Open Award scheme.

The award, which operates at bronze, silver and gold levels, each of increasing difficulty, is available to all young people between the ages of 14 and 25. The award provides participants with essential life skills and augments their qualifications to give an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs or university. The physical recreation section promotes a healthy lifestyle, the skills section allows participants to develop existing skills or discover new ones and the volunteering section encourages participants to make a positive contribution to their local community.

The scheme culminates in a camping expedition, whereby participants demonstrate their teamwork skills and use their initiative, as well as testing their physical endurance. This provides a gratifying contrast with the high level of negative media attention that is channelled towards young people today, as it shows focus and commitment.

The aim of the award is to enable young people to become “fully rounded and responsible individuals”, irrespective of background or ability. Participants at Hounslow meet once a week, creating an excellent opportunity to make new friends and have fun as well as to complete the necessary training for the expedition.

Although there are three paid staff at Hounslow, the majority of leaders are volunteers and without their dedication and unfailing enthusiasm, the award would not be able to operate.