On Monday, March 3, 2025, the Duke of Edinburgh, HRH, visited Peterborough and learned about the positive impact The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is having on young people and the wider community. The Duke, who serves as the Patron of the DofE charity, began his day at Boxing Futures, where he observed a non-contact boxing demonstration and a therapeutic talk session.
The DofE Award, which inspires hundreds of thousands of young people from all backgrounds to develop their skills and confidence, offers participants the opportunity to achieve a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award by choosing activities and volunteering for a cause.
One of the organizations that offers participation in the DofE program is Boxing Futures, through their Chatterbox program. The Duke had the chance to meet with the charity’s participants, including 21-year-old Tom Brett, who is currently working towards his DofE Silver Award. Tom, who helped host The Duke, shared his personal story of struggling with anxiety and isolation before finding Boxing Futures and the DofE program. He expressed his gratitude for the sense of community and acceptance he has found through the program.
Tom’s success story is just one example of the positive impact the DofE has had on the participants of Boxing Futures. According to psychotherapist Stefanie Radjenovic, the program’s blend of therapeutic talk sessions and non-contact boxing provides a holistic approach that contributes to the Physical and Skills section of the DofE award. She also emphasized the program’s focus on building friendships, self-awareness, and self-confidence.
The Duke’s visit also included stops at Peterborough United Football Club and Railworld Wildlife Haven, where students from two local schools, Hampton Secondary Academy and Ormiston Bushfield Academy, were completing their DofE Volunteering section. Jackie Bull, Director of UK Operations at The DofE Award, expressed her admiration for the young people The Duke met during his visit, stating that they are a true testament to the life-changing impact of the DofE program and the amazing contributions they make to their communities.
The Duke’s visit to Peterborough highlights the power and success of the DofE program in empowering young people to explore their potential and make a positive difference in their communities. Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
