DofE scheme offers hope to young prisoners

Young women at Europe's largest women's prison are being given the chance to learn new skills and change the course of their lives through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE).

The DofE charity is working with HMP Bronzefield, a women's prison and Young Offender Institution (YOI) in Ashford, to give participants focus, motivation and a sense of responsibility.

Sapphire, 23, who is working towards her Bronze Award, said taking part had pushed her "to be a better person" and improved her fitness and wellbeing.

"If somebody had told me I could do 130km within three days, I would have said that's a lie," she said. "It's taught me that it's all your mind sometimes."

In the past year, six young people have achieved a DofE Award at HMP Bronzefield. Twelve are currently working towards their Bronze Award, with another three aiming for Silver.

The scheme offers a widely recognised qualification designed to help the young women reintegrate positively into the community after release.

Maisie (not her real name) recently completed her Bronze Award and credits the programme with helping her regulate her emotions. "I feel like I have my whole life ahead of me," she said.

She hopes to "repay the love" she has received by inspiring other prisoners and supporting young people when she leaves custody.

"It's one of the greatest feelings to be able to say I've done it," she said. "I've finished it, and I have something to show for it."

"A lot of people think that their chances of getting a job have diminished now they've come to prison," Tom Walsh, prison custody officer, and Duke of Edinburgh's Award leader at HMP Bronzefield, said.

"We can show them that it isn't the case."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.