Packed ceremony celebrates the achievements of young people

Some of the young people from across the borough were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Awards

Hundreds of young people from across the borough were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards at a special ceremony on Wednesday 20 March.

The Gracie Fields Theatre played host to a special awards evening organised by the youth service which saw 195 young people given their bronze, silver and gold awards by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Mohammed Zaman.

A large number of young people from across the borough have worked hard in a range of activities over the year to successfully complete the requirements of the respective awards.

The evening was jointly organised by Rochdale Youth Service and young people from Oulder Hill School, who also provided a wonderful musical performance during the ceremony. 

Adventurer and primary school deputy head-teacher, Steve Hill MBE, gave an inspirational presentation to the borough’s young people, encouraging them to “aim high in life, follow their dreams” to achieve their goals.

Awards were presented to young people from a variety of school, clubs and organisations:  the 1st Middleton Explorer Unit, Hollingworth Academy, Oulder Hill Community School, St Cuthbert’s RC High School, Cardinal Langley, Falinge Park High School, Wardle Academy, Rochdale Islamic Academy, Matthew Moss School, Rochdale Sixth Form College, Beech House School and Rochdale Youth Service.

Gail Hopper, director of children’s services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is fantastic for young people to work towards. It provides a wide set of personal challenges and will give them skills that will be invaluable in later life as well as providing opportunities to have a fantastic time with friends. It’s been wonderful to see so many young people receiving awards and the enjoyment they’ve clearly had in doing so. I would encourage all young people in the borough to consider getting involved.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of 14 to 24-year olds the opportunity to be the best they can be. They achieve this through a variety of volunteering, physical skills and residential challenges. The challenges build confidence, fitness and skills in young people to set them up for later life. The whole programme, no matter the award level, is designed to help them push their own limits, discover new talents and support their local community whilst making new friends.

If you would like to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, either as a participant or as an adult supporter / volunteer, you can contact the youth service by email youth.service@rochdale.gov.uk or visit:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/youthservice