We are a non-profit-making organisation delivering the Duke of Edinburgh Award to young people in Crawley and surrounding area.

We started this project over fourteen years ago, based at Crawley Youth Club, however following WSCC cuts and changes to the Youth Service support, we were required to leave this organisation. We continued the project under WSCC YS and moved to West Green Community Centre and continued to offer the Award with a fully volunteer based group of adult staff under the management of WSCC YS and with their support. This came to an end three years ago. However, the dedication of the staff is such and with the needs of young people still evident, we were able, following discussions and long negotiations around “open access to young people” to move to Holy Trinity School and we now operate under their auspices whilst maintaining our independence.

As you will be aware the DofE award offers Young People the challenge and the support to develop skills, physical ability, volunteering in the community and an expedition experience at several levels, the Award is known as the most successful and recognisable achievement for young people and our team of volunteers have been extremely successful in delivering this for over fourteen years.

Our main problem is that our current minibus which is fitted with a tow bar for using our trailers is getting old and despite being maintained, and repairs being done by willing supporters for subsidised rates, we need to replace it now.

We do not require a brand-new minibus as the amount of traveling is not excessive and we would be able to purchase a good quality second hand low mileage vehicle for a much-reduced cost which would be sufficient for our needs.

We have raised over £5,000 from well wishers and via young people’s membership and evening subscriptions, however the time taken to raise the estimated cost of the minibus (£14,000) will leave us without the ability to carry out expeditions and training hikes later this year.

We are sure you will agree that our project is worthwhile and that it is deserving of support.