Rotherham teenager becomes Youth Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Nineteen-year-old Poppy Bridges is one of 36 DofE participants and Award holders picked to speak up within the charity and wider community.

Their role is to design and deliver campaigns and help shape the direction of the award scheme by sharing their expertise on key issues affecting young people across the UK.  

When Poppy told a former teacher that she had just finished her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, he was surprised, saying she didn’t seem a “typical” DfE student, inspiring her to seek to dispel the myth that there is such a “typical” figure.  

She recalled how she had run sessions at her local brownie group for her Bronze and Silver awards, which she initially found daunting but benefit from boosted confidence and skills.

Poppy said she wanted to give back to the organisation that had given her so much. 

“DofE has made me realise who I am, what I enjoy, and that I can overcome challenges,” she added.

“I’ve gained confidence, discipline, respect and enormous pride in myself. It’s made a huge difference to me.” 

In 2021/22, more than 321,000 young people started their DofE – the highest figure in the charity’s 66-year history.