Essex DofE Award: Choose the In-person or Virtual Option
DofE can be a game-changer - raising your self-esteem, aspirations and opening doors to employment! Essex DofE is here to inspire, engage and motivate you through your award.
Start your DofE award at any point in the year and make connections and friends outside of your school. There's no restriction as to when or where you can join. We deliver the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards.
Essex DofE Award Programme- You can register to complete your DofE Award throughout the Year.
Our next 10-session programme starts in 2027 (12 sessions for Silver and Gold). This programme encompasses the entire award process, from training through to completion. We guide participants through the award sections, sign-off progress, deliver practical training, and run expeditions each year. Sessions take place at youth centres in Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Colchester, or virtually via Teams.
Participants can start their award immediately after registration. The booking confirmation email provides instructions on how to begin. We look forward to welcoming you!
Option 1: Youth-Centre Sessions in Brentwood, Chelmsford, or Colchester
Participants can register at any time and join our 10-session programme (12 for Silver and Gold) running January to April 2027. The programme focuses on team building, leadership activities, and themed sessions on volunteering, first aid, and expedition cooking. Social time and eDofE support are included.
Expeditions will take place in Spring/Summer/Autumn 2026. The two additional Silver and Gold sessions are listed below.
| Location | Day & Time | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| The Hermit Youth Centre, Brentwood CM15 8AG |
Monday evenings, 7-9pm |
TBC |
| Colchester Townhouse Youth Centre, Colchester, 39-42 E Stockwell St, Colchester CO1 1SS |
Monday evenings, 7-9pm |
TBC |
|
Galleywood Youth Centre, Chelmsford CM2 8PT |
Wednesday evenings, 7-9pm | TBC |
Two Additional Compulsory Sessions for Silver and Gold
Galleywood Youth Centre, Chelmsford
- Silver: Dates to be confirmed
- Gold: Dates to be confirmed
Option 2: Virtual Sessions
Participants can register anytime and begin working on their sections immediately. Monthly virtual sessions start in January 2027, with expeditions taking place in Spring/Summer/Autumn 2026. A Teams link will be emailed before each session.
| Virtual Session | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | TBC | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 2 | TBC | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 3 | TBC | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 4 | TBC | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 5 | TBC | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 6 | TBC | 7.30-8.30pm |
Want to Find Out More?
Learn about the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards.
Contact Us
Email our DofE team at DofE@essex.gov.uk.