#DofEWithADifference - FAQs

Here are some of the commonly asked things we've been asked by participants who are keen to progress their Award in our current COVID-19 environment

I can’t do my physical activity because the club has closed and my team’s training sessions are cancelled – how can I continue with my Physical section?

Remember, only continue with any physical activity you are doing for your Award if you are feeling fit and healthy. If your regular activity isn’t on at the moment, there are lots of ways you can continue maintaining relevant strength and fitness. You could consider walking or running in your local area – or even doing a workout (or practising your sport) in your backyard. Apps like Strava or Google Fit can help you monitor your activities and provide evidence for your Assessor. There are also lots of fitness sessions and classes that can be followed online (on YouTube) and done within your home; from pilates to learning dance routines, bootcamps to HIIT workouts. You can record a list of the ones you do and keep a record of your hours using the Physical section activity log.

I’ve found a new volunteering activity I can complete, but it will be difficult to do one hour per week. Can I do a few hours per month, rather than a day per week?

Although we encourage all participants to do their activities weekly, it may be that if your activity has been cancelled or changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. It is also possible to do your Voluntary Service in blocks of up to 4 hours every 28 days.

My residential has been cancelled, can I still achieve my Award?

Although it’s really disappointing to have your residential cancelled, you have until your 25^th birthday to complete your Award. Hopefully you will have plenty of time to rearrange your trip, or find another one in the future.

If you’re nearly 25, make sure you speak to your Award Leader about an age extension, which will be granted by the Award National Office in these circumstances.

What do I do if my Adventurous Journey has been cancelled?

If your Adventurous Journey has been cancelled, you can postpone this until later on in the year. If you are soon to be leaving the organisation you are doing your Award with, you could also consider joining an Adventurous Journey with one of our Approved Activity Providers (AAPs) in the future, which will enable you to complete the section. Remember that you have until you are 25 to complete your Award.

If you’re nearly 25, make sure you speak to your Award Leader about an age extension, which will be granted by the Award National Office in these circumstances.