The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is providing young people in care with the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The Trust was the first Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland to become a licensed Duke of Edinburgh Award organisation, enabling young people with care experience to work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Mandy Morrison, the Trust’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager, attended the Gold Award Celebration in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The event, held during the programme’s 70th anniversary year, recognised young people from across the UK who achieved the scheme’s highest honour.

The programme is designed to help participants develop confidence, resilience, independence and life skills. The Trust reports seeing a positive difference among the young people it supports.

Ms Morrison said she was inspired by the commitment and determination shown by the award recipients. She expressed hope that more young people from the Trust will achieve their Gold Awards in the future.