A new route into one of the country’s most recognised youth programmes has opened up in Swindon — and it’s not through a school gate.
Inspire Enrichment CIC, based in North Swindon, has secured a licence to run the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, creating a fresh opportunity for young people aged 13 and over to take part outside traditional education settings.
It’s a notable step. While the scheme is widely available through schools, cadet groups and scouts, access beyond those routes can be limited. This new centre offers an alternative — particularly for those who may not fit the usual mould.
From its base in Redhouse, Inspire Enrichment already works with a broad mix of children and young people, including those with additional needs. The addition of the DofE programme builds on that, offering structured challenges alongside the organisation’s existing creative and enrichment sessions.
Leading the scheme is Louise Fisher, who brings experience of delivering the award across a range of settings. She’s supported by a team used to working with varying abilities — a key factor in making the programme accessible.
The format itself will be familiar to many. Participants work towards Bronze, Silver or Gold awards by volunteering in their community, learning new skills, taking part in physical activity and completing an expedition. It’s a commitment that stretches over several months — and one that’s as much about persistence as it is achievement.
For Swindon and the wider Wiltshire area, where thousands of young people sign up each year, the demand is already there. What this new centre offers is a different way in.
Alongside the award, Inspire Enrichment continues to run a wide programme of activities — from drama and dance to photography, media make-up and even Dungeons & Dragons sessions — aimed at building confidence and creativity in a more informal setting.
The hope is that by widening access, more young people will get the chance to take part — not just to tick off an award, but to pick up skills that last a little longer.
For those who might otherwise have missed out, that could make all the difference.
