by Sam Hawcroft
Young people in a rural corner of Holderness are building confidence, resilience and life skills each week through a long-running Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group based at Easington Youth Club.
Meeting every Monday evening, the group may be small in number at present, but its impact – according to leaders and participants alike – stretches far beyond the youth club’s walls.
Led by Steve Bailey, the licensed Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) group draws young people aged from 14 up to 24 from across the surrounding area, with some travelling considerable distances to take part.
“We’re aiming to get more young people to come and achieve the award and learn more life skills,” Steve said.
“Among the main benefits is teamwork – they are working together with other young people the same age, or slightly older, and they get used to talking to each other, learn how to do camp craft, cooking, essential life skills to continue outside after school.”
The Easington group forms part of a much wider legacy. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded in 1954 by Prince Philip, who wanted to create a national programme to support young people’s development in the post-war era.
The pilot scheme launched in 1956 and quickly expanded across youth organisations, schools and the Armed Forces, eventually evolving into the modern structure of Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition, with an additional Residential section at Gold level.
Today, that national framework is being delivered on a local level in villages such as Easington, where access to structured youth opportunities can be limited.
The Easington group is distinctive in more ways than one. Steve explained that it is currently the only licensed DofE group operating in this part of Holderness, making it a vital opportunity for local teenagers who might otherwise struggle to access the scheme.
Sessions run weekly from 6pm to 8.30pm, although attendance times can vary as young people juggle college, transport and other commitments. At the start of each evening, leaders check who has arrived before tailoring activities to the group’s needs, often blending practical skills with social time and planning for future expeditions.
The structure of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award means participants work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, often simultaneously within the same group. Some complete one stage before progressing, while others continue over several years, returning as volunteers once they have finished their own awards.
Harry, now 21, is one such example, having already completed Bronze and Silver and now working towards Gold, while also supporting the group when he can. Others, including young leaders, attend regularly to help with sessions alongside their own commitments.