Proud to be recognised as DofE Gold Associate for commitment to youth empowerment

Our Society has achieved Duke of Edinburgh Awards Wales (DofE) Gold Associate status in recognition of our unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. This recognition follows our pivotal sponsorship of £20,000 for the DofE Gower Walk in September last year, and our continued support in 2024 with a donation of £10,000.

The DofE Wales Gold Associate status acknowledges our Society's dedication to fostering opportunities for young people and aligning with the DofE's mission to ensure that the programme remains accessible to all. Our sponsorship directly contributes to the 'Youth Without Limits' initiative, a strategic endeavour by the DofE aimed at breaking down barriers to participation and promoting diversity among its participants.

Our £10,000 donation for 2024 will be instrumental in addressing the needs of marginalised young individuals within Swansea. The funds will be allocated towards various initiatives, including participant bursaries, DofE participation places, and core frontline costs, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder youth from participating in the programme.

The allocated funds will directly benefit young individuals within Swansea, particularly those facing socio-economic challenges, additional needs, or at-risk circumstances. Through strategic partnerships and a robust funding process, our Society and DofE aim to swiftly distribute the funds to support those most in need.

Alun Williams, our Chief Executive, said:

"We are honoured to be recognised as a DofE Gold Associate, reaffirming our commitment to the youth of Swansea and beyond. Supporting initiatives like the DofE Gower Hike and contributing £10,000 for 2024 underscores our belief in the transformative power of empowering young people to reach their full potential.

"We recognise the importance of ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to engage in enriching experiences like the DofE programme, and by earmarking our donation to support those facing barriers to participation, we hope to contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient community."

Ian Gwilym, DofE Wales Senior Relationship Manager, added:

"We are incredibly grateful for Swansea Building Society's unwavering support and commitment to empowering young people through the DofE programme. Their generous donation and dedication to addressing barriers to participation align perfectly with our mission to ensure that all young individuals, regardless of background, have the opportunity to discover their potential and develop valuable life skills. With Swansea Building Society's partnership, we are confident in our ability to reach and support even more marginalised young people in Swansea, enabling them to overcome obstacles and thrive in both the programme and their future endeavours."