A SWINDON project has signed up to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in an effort to further help homeless young people.

Threshold Housing Link and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) have agreed a new partnership in Swindon to help homeless young people take part in and experience the benefits of achieving a DofE Award.

The initiative is being supported by Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, who helped facilitate the partnership by funding positive activities for homeless people with a grant of nearly £22,000 from his Innovation Fund.

He visited Threshold on Tuesday to hear about the new project.

“The grant from my Innovation Fund given to Threshold, along with support from the Duke of Edinburgh Award, is enabling a number of young homeless people in Swindon to gain valuable skills for future employment in a supported environment,” he said.

“It is clear from visiting Threshold that great work is being carried out by the staff there.”

To complete a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, young people volunteer in their communities, learn a new skill, improve their fitness and plan and undertake an expedition, fulfilling six to 18 months of challenging activity.

Peter Singleton, DofE director for the South West, said young people taking part in the scheme would see a number of benefits.

“The DofE has a bold ambition to ensure that every young person who wants to do their DofE can take part, irrespective of background or circumstance,” he said.

“Our partnership with Threshold Housing Link will enable young homeless people to participate and reap the benefits of achieving a DofE Award, which will provide them with the confidence and motivation to build a positive future.”

  • To find out more about helping the charity Threshold Housing Link by becoming a member or trustee contact Threshold on 01793 524661 or visit www.thl.org.uk