Essex DofE Award Programme
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
Our next 10-session programme starts in 2026 (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!
Online Information Evening on Teams
Join us on Tuesday 25th November 7.30-8.30pm. Find out all there is to know about starting the DofE Award in 2026. This session is suitable for parents/carers and participants.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 364 268 979 232 9
Passcode: 5Zg95h5i
Dial in by phone
+44 20 7660 8281,,944514650# United Kingdom, City of London
Find a local number Phone conference ID: 944 514 650#
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 2026. 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 |
January 12th, 19th, 26th February 2nd, 9th, 23rd March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd |
| Colchester Townhouse Youth Centre, Colchester, 39-42 E Stockwell St, Colchester CO1 1SS |
Monday evenings, 7-9pm |
January 12th, 19th, 26th February 2nd, 9th, 23rd March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd |
|
Galleywood Youth Centre, Chelmsford CM2 8PT |
Wednesday evenings, 7-9pm | January 14th, 21st, 28th February 4th, 11th, 25th March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th |
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 2026, with expeditions taking place in Spring/Summer/Autumn 2026. A Teams link will be emailed before each session.
| Virtual Session | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Tuesday January 15th, 2026 | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 2 | Tuesday January 29th, 2026 | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 3 | Tuesday February 12th, 2026 | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 4 | Tuesday February 26th, 2026 | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 5 | Tuesday March 12th, 2026 | 7.30-8.30pm |
| Session 6 | Tuesday March 26th, 2026 | 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.