Bexhill's largest employer, Hastings Direct, has given A Helping Hand (£300) to local Duke of Edinburgh participants to help finance their gold award.
Hastings Direct's A Helping Hand makes financial, professional and physical support available to the local community. Each month Hastings is able to offer either professional support from its 1,800 staff, or physical support with team building days. In addition, Hastings has made a small monthly grant available to support local funding.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme offers young people (aged between 14 and 24) the chance for adventure. The scheme operates three levels — bronze, silver and gold. Participants achieve their gold awards by completing a personal programme of activities in five sections: — volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential.
Organiser Rosemary Henley explains: "Thanks to the support of Hastings Direct we were able to help two of our gold participants undertake their expedition in the Brecon Beacons. The remainder of the funds has been used to support two participants who will be volunteering at an orphanage in Tanzania. This will be a real eye opener for all of the group and hopefully will help them be more aware of the plight of people in the Third World. Everyone is working very hard to earn the rest of the money needed and we are very grateful for the help you have given.
Jay Wootten, community liaison, Hastings Direct: "The Duke of Edinburgh scheme gives young people a great appreciation of the world around them and helps develop tomorrow's community leaders — we wish the participants every success as they work to achieve their gold award.
If you know of a local organisation in need of A Helping Hand, please email community@hastingsdirect.com with details of your organisation and how we may be able to assist.