A BORDERS teenager is set to speak on behalf of young people around the UK as she becomes a youth ambassador fo the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award.

Amelia Scott, from Lauder, is currently completing her DofE with Borders Lauderdale Scouts.

She has been selected as one of 35 other DofE participants and award holders who will advocated for young people over the year.

Amelia, who is 16, and her fellow ambassadors will design and deliver campaigns which feature their own experiences as young people to help shape the direction of the DofE Award.

She said: “I’m hoping to encourage more people to do DofE.

"I think there’s a stigma that it’s for sporty or outdoorsy people and it’s not necessarily.

"There are so many sections, you can choose what is best for you.” 

Some of the key issues which Amelia hopes to focus on include the environment and mental health.

She has described her DofE journey as "life-changing", and encourages other young people to get involved.

Amelia aspires to work in medicine, and is using her DofE experience to build helpful skills, such as First Aid - which she is learning through an online course.

A DofE spokesperson said: "The DofE is a non-competitive, personal challenge that gives all young people the chance to discover new passions, broaden their horizons and make a difference on issues that matter to them.

"Through their DofE, young people develop vital skills, confidence and resilience to help them take on challenges and fulfil their potential.

"In 2021/22, more than 321,000 young people started their DofE – the highest figure in the charity’s 66-year history.  

"Young people’s mental health, social lives and education have been hit hard by the COVID pandemic and cost-of-living crisis – with marginalised young people disproportionately affected.

"Non-formal educational opportunities like the DofE, which are open to all young people, are needed now more than ever.

"The DofE is working to reach a million young people by 2026 – with a particular focus on those facing barriers to taking part, such as young people from marginalised communities."

The first panel of youth ambassadors were appointed by the DofE in 2021 as part of its commitment to supporting young people to champion the charity at events as well as having their voices heard.