Drug education charity, the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs (DSM) Foundation, has recently been announced as an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for the Skills section of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). This new partnership will allow young people to participate in the foundation’s Safer Choices programme as part of their DofE Award.
The Safer Choices programme, designed for ages 13 and above, is a self-study course that provides relevant, age-appropriate, and evidence-based information about drugs. Through this programme, young people can make informed decisions to keep themselves and their friends safe.
The DSM Foundation was established in 2014 after the tragic death of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. The foundation’s aim is to provide young people with the necessary tools and information to make safe choices regarding drugs. They have been working with young people for a decade, delivering workshops and educational resources in schools and colleges.
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, director and founder of the DSM Foundation, expressed her excitement about the partnership with DofE, stating, “We’re so excited to have this opportunity to reach more young people through partnering with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, enabling them to access important information and strategies for keeping themselves and the people around them safe. We share a vision of enabling young people to build confidence in who they are, develop the skills they need to navigate life successfully, and manage the challenges that might come their way safely, and we’re proud to be part of their highly respected Award.”
The DofE is a highly respected Award that encourages young people aged 14-24 to take part in activities in four sections: improving a physical and skills activity, volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding expedition. With more than half a million young people actively participating in the DofE in 2023-24, the organization hopes to see 1.6 million young people start their DofE by Spring 2026.
The DofE is delivered in schools, colleges, community organizations, hospitals, and prisons all over the UK, with the aim of inspiring young people to explore who they are, grow in confidence, and develop the skills they need to navigate life successfully. This new partnership with the DSM Foundation will provide even more opportunities for young people to participate in activities that will help them build life-long belief in themselves.
For more information about the DSM Foundation and their work, visit their website at https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/. To learn more about the DofE and their programs, visit their website at https://www.dofe.org/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.