Gloucestershire girl chosen as DofE Award Youth Ambassador

An 18-year-old has been chosen as a Youth Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award.

Lauren Bennett achieved her gold DofE award through Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre in Gloucestershire.

As one of 34 Youth Ambassadors, she will speak at events and encourage young people to join the scheme.

Ashley Williams the DofE Youth Engagement Manager, said: "We're determined to put young people at the heart of everything we do."

The DofE programme is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 24, who pick their own activities and volunteer for causes of their choice in order to achieve a bronze, silver or gold award.

It is offered in schools, youth clubs, hospitals, fostering agencies, prisons and sports clubs around the country.

According to the charity, 323,000 young people enrolled on to the DofE scheme in 2022/23.

Youth Ambassadors are involved in shaping the charity's work to benefit other young people.

Previous ambassadors have met with ministers and MPs and spoken at high-profile events, including party conferences, international forums and the DofE gold award celebrations at Buckingham Palace Garden.

Ms Bennett said: "Completing the DofE award revealed to me that it's far more than a checkbox on a CV.

"My journey involved launching impactful school campaigns, mentoring young hockey enthusiasts, and dedicating time to community centres supporting underprivileged children.

"These experiences fostered invaluable skills and a resilient confidence that directly benefit my role as a Youth Ambassador," she added.

"The award significantly enriched my social landscape. It fortified existing connections with peers while introducing me to inspiring individuals from diverse fields.

"These relationships have been transformative, offering insights and connections that I'm deeply appreciative of." 

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk