Mid Sussex Open DofE Centre

For any young person in and around Mid Sussex from the age of 14 to 24 years old, who wants to complete their Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The DofE Award started in 1956 and in 1980 took the current structure of the four sections; Volunteering, Physical, Skill and Expedition, as well as a fifth section - Residential - at Gold level. It is a voluntary, non-competitive programme and to gain the whole award level each section must be completed by the young person. 

The Mid Sussex Open Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Centre is a Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO; Charity Number 1179689) that is solely run by volunteers. To run DofE we operate under the West Sussex County Council DofE licence and deliver all three Award levels (Bronze, Silver & Gold). 

As a CIO and Open Award Centre we are able to independently deliver DofE to any young person between the ages of 14 and 24 years old - we are not aligned with any school or group. We welcome anyone to join us to complete their DofE Award at any level or people who want to support young people in their DofE journey.

The Centre started out as part of the Dolphin Project in Haywards Heath with the Silver award based out of Bytes Café on The Broadway, with a temporary move to Haywards Heath Fire Station. In 2007 the Centre moved again to the Ablemarle Centre (where we remain today) and was renamed Haywards Heath Open Award Centre. The name was later changed to Mid Sussex Open Centre as this captured the young people being supported were from all over Mid Sussex and not just Haywards Heath. In 2018 the Centre became its own CIO so that it could continue to support young people doing their DofE award at all three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold. Our Centre will guide and support them along the way until they complete their award. For the expedition section we operate a full training programme for all levels which including weekly training session, training days and practice expeditions.


We generally run recruitment during the Autumn term, after the October half term, and expeditions run the following year between March and October. However, you may register at any time and start the other sections.


If you would like to know more about the Award, then please contact us on the below form or at info@midsussexdofe.org. 


When and Where We Meet

Our meetings run term time on a Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm at the Albemarle Centre (Oathall Community College), Appledore Gardens, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, RH16 2AQ

Our Silver's were out yesterday on the Ashdown Forest, along with the challenges of the morning of the rain and mud, they all had fun and enjoyed the day. While out hiking, they were practicing their navigational skills like bearings and pacing in preparation for their practice expedition in May. @dofewestsussex #dofe #DofESilver #dofeexpedition #hiking #westsussexdofe #dukeofedinburghaward #dofesilverexpedition #ashdownforest #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe
Last week we has the pleasure to present over 20 more certificates to our Bronze and Silver participants. Congratulations to all of those! Well Done for all your hard work. @dofeuk @dofewestsussex #dofe #dofebronze #dofesilver #lifeskills #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe
Our Bronzes spent the day out on the South Downs practicing their navigation skills for the first time. No matter the amount of mud or the rain near the end of the day, they have had fun and started developing their skills in preparation for their expeditions. The bronzes also benefited from our Young Leaders who were also out supporting them. DofE West Sussex South Downs National Park #DofE #dofebronze #dofeexpedition #VolunteerLeaders #dofeyoungleaders #ordnancesurvey #hiking #southdownsnationalpark #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe
Today we had our Silver participants doing some final parts of the training, building on their knowledge but also providing #lifeskills like redoing CPR. Next for them is a day hike and their expeditions! Time to enjoy the countryside. @dofewestsussex #dofe #silverdofe #dofeexpedition #firstaid #expeditionkit #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe #VolunteerLeaders
Two of our Gold participants are completing their volunteering section with us, helping to support our Bronze participants and assisting with the organising and remarking of expedition kit. Both of them completed their Bronze and Silver with us and it is a great pleasure to have them on the team. They have also under taken @dofeuk Young Leader Programme, where they have completed they introduction modules and looking forwards to the next modules to complete and be able to utilise that at our Centre, they are also please to have received her DofE Young Leader pin badges. @dofewestsussex #DofE #DofEGold #Vounteering #YoungLeaders #dofeyoungleaders #lifeskills #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe #westsussexdofe
Since November our Bronze, Silver and Gold participants have been covering essential training for the expedition section, which they will start putting into practice in the coming months. Some of the things they have been covering are skills relating to maps and navigation, food and trangia, tents and first aid. @dofeuk #DofE #DofeBronze #DofESilver #DofEGold #opendofecentre #westsussexdofe #dukeofedinburghaward #midsussexdofe #ordnancesurvey #trangia #accessexpeditions #firstaid #lifeskills
Reposted• @dofeuk "Be kind wherever possible" #WorldKindnessDay2023 💌 This #WKD2023 we're celebrating how young people doing their DofE are making an incredible impact to their local communities and those around them. Read some of the ways young people are making a difference in @dofeuk latest blog 📰
This week has been National Trustee week, with this we want to give a huge Thank You to our trustees, who together with our leaders support Young People on doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Our trustees are also volunteers who give up their time to support the centre. #DofE #opendofecentre #dukeofedinburghaward #westsussexdofe #Volunteering #volunteer #trustee #nationaltrusteeweek
This evening we have presented over 25 DofE certificates to our participants for completing their awards - WELL DONE! We have also had the pleasure of watching three Silver teams present their assessed expedition aims in different ways, along with a slide of their favourite leader #dukeofedinburghbronze #bronzedofe #westsussexdofe #midsussexdofe #dukeofedinburghaward #dofeexpediton #dofeleader #dofeexpedition #BronzeDofE #dofeleaders #dofesilverexpedition #DofESilver #lifeskills #DofE #silverdofe #dofe #dofesilver #dofebronze #opendofecentre
This term we have had out a number of Bronze teams enjoying the countryside and views of the South Downs and Weald area of East Sussex. Well Done to all Bronze participants. #hiking #dofeexpedition #GetOutside #dukeofedinburghaward #westsussexdofe #midsussexdofe #Volunteering #dofeleader #dofeexpediton #dukeofedinburghbronze #lifeskills #DofE #bronzedofe #dofebronze #opendofecentre
Have you thought about doing your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award? or finishing off your Silver and want to continue your journey. Then have a chat with us on here or email us as info@midsussexdofe.org #lifeskills #DofE #dofegold #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe #dukeofedinburghaward #westsussexdofe #golddofe @dofewestsussex
New Dofe card has arrived! Don’t forget to register for yours. #dofe #dofeexpedition #getoutside #discount #newcard #opendofecentre
What adventure are you going on today on #ordnancesurvey's National #GetOutsideDay? No matter if it is a short walk, a cycle, or getting out on the water, enjoy the beautiful outdoors and make memories. #GetOutside #adventure #hiking #southdownsnationalpark #southdownsway #ashdownforest #100AcreWood #sussexcoast #dofeexpedition
5 years ago we took the step as an Open DofE Centre to become our own charity and continue to be able to provide the Duke of Edinburgh Award to young people in and around Mid Sussex. 5 years later we are still going strong and looking forward to the years to come. Can you help support us and young people doing their Award? If so then please speak with us - help can come in any shape and size. DofE West Sussex DofE South East #lifeskills #DofE #dofebronze #dofegold #dofesilver #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe #volunteering #dofeleaders #dofeleader #dukeofedinburghaward #westsussexdofe
We are on the look out for volunteers to support our Volunteer run Open Centre in supporting young people in doing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Do not feel like you need to be an expert, chance for you to develop your skills and learn new ones. Help can come in any format - if you think you can help us then contact us on here or info@midsussexdofe.org. @dofewestsussex @dukeuk #midsussexdofe #lifeskills #opendofecentre #dofe #volunteer #volunteering #dofeleaders
Reported from @dofeuk Introducing 10 of our incredible 2023/24 UK Youth Ambassadors 💜 Link in @dofeuk bio to read more about this year's cohort 😀
Reposted @dofeuk Looking after your expedition kit will with proper cleaning and maintenance will help your kit last longer – which means many more years of adventure! Head over to our DofE Blog and find out more about taking care of your kit after an expedition! #dofeexpeditions #expeditions #lifeskills #expeditionkit
Reposted @ordnancesurvey Do you know the Countryside Code? This Love Parks Week and beyond, take a leaf out of Shaun the Sheep’s book and respect, protect, and enjoy greenspaces! From National Parks to urban parks and waterways to coastlines, ensure you follow the Countryside Code wherever you go. #OrdnanceSurvey #TheCountrysideCode
WELL DONE 👏 to our 6 Silver DofE teams who this month were out on the Long Mynd having fun completing their Assessed Expedition. Even though the conditions were rather wet🌦, the young people were fantastic! Also a big Thank You to our leaders who are all volunteers, for supporting these young people through their DofE journey. #DofE #DofESilver #dofeexpediton #dofesilverexpedition #dofeleaders #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe #longmynd @dofewestsussex @dofeuk @accesskit @longmyndadventure
Our Silvers are in their final preparations for their Assessed Expeditions this month in the Long Mynd. #dofe #dofesilver #dofesilverexpedition #dofeexpedition #lifeskills #dofeleader #opendofecentre @dofewestsussex #midsussexdofe
Our Bronze’s have finished their training and nearing the end of planning for their Assessed Expedition next term. Do you think you could help us help more Young People in completing their Award? . #DofE #lifeskills #dukeofedinburghbronze #dofebronze #dofe #dofeexpedition #volunteering #dofeleader #opendofecentre #midsussexdofe
This weekend we are running to training days for our Bronze Cohorts. Today the Bronzes have been looking at a range of expeditions skills including First Aid, Food, Maps, Trangias and Tents. #dofe #dofebronze #lifeskills #ordinancesurvey #trangia #accessexpeditions #firstaid #dofeexpedition #lupineadventure @dofewestsussex @dukeuk #midsussexdofe
@dofeuk. It is with great sadness that our charity, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and our friends throughout the world within The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association, acknowledge the death of Her Majesty The Queen.      The Queen was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to public service, helping to shape and enrich the lives of generations. Her enthusiastic support of our charity, founded by her husband Prince Philip, has enabled The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to empower millions of young people with the skills, confidence and self-belief to reach their full potential.      We are grateful for the continuing support of the Royal Family, and thank especially His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex and Forfar, for his continued leadership of the Award worldwide.      Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time.
Last night another 3 of our Bronzes participants have completed their DofE award, just pending final approval. Well Done to all of those involved! #lifeskills #opendofecentre #dofe #dofebronze #westsussexdofe
This weekend two of our Bronze teams were out in East Sussex completing their Assessed Expedition - Well Done to them and their hard work, also thank you to our volunteers for making it happen. #dofe #dofebronze #dofeexpedition #opendofecentre #volunteer #lifeskills @bushy_wood_activity_centre
Report from @dofeuk A record-breaking number of young people started their DofE last year - more than 321,000 of you! Though young people’s lives have been massively affected by the pandemic, you’ve chosen to respond to that challenge by giving 2 million hours of volunteering through your DofE, with a value of just under £10 million.😮 This proves something we already knew - the power of young people to be a huge force for good. We’re hugely proud of each and every young person doing their DofE right now - you’re amazing. Click the link in the bio of @dofeuk to read more about our latest figures. #lifeskills #dofe #opendofecentre #volunteering
Repost from @dofeuk. Today, 10 Gold DofE Award holders will play a role in the Service of Thanksgiving for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. When he founded the DofE in 1956, The Duke’s ambition was to enrich young people’s lives. Since then, millions have done their DofE – discovering new passions and vital skills, building their confidence, resilience and self-belief. Now, as young people navigate the challenges created by the pandemic, the DofE’s needed more than ever. We’re continuing The Duke’s legacy by working to reach one million young people by 2026 – with a focus on supporting those who face barriers to taking part.
This weekend some of our Bronzes have been out in the sunshine putting their training into practice, they have been on a day hike around the South Down and Weald area of Sussex. #opendofecentre #dofebronze #hiking #lifeskills #teamwork #DofE @dofewestsussex
Over the last number of months, our Bronzes have been learning all parts of the expedition section, from what to wear, maps and navigation to what to eat. #opendofecentre #DofE #dofebronze #lifeskills
Reposted @dofeuk. Planning your #DofE? These made our Top Ten more unusual, unexpected or unique activities. Will yours make the list? . #YouthWithoutLimits #BackToSchool #opendofecentre
Preparations for this weekends #Bronze expedition are underway. Do you want to be doing your #DofE expeditions next year? If so, then speak with us. #opendofecentre #bronzedofe #ordinancesurvey #dofeexpedition @dofewestsussex
Day 1 in the New Forest National Park for our Silver Assessed Expedition. The weather forecast was wet, however, we have been blessed with sunshine. @dofewestsussex #opendofecentre #silverdofe #newforest
This week our Silvers and Golds were finishing planning their up coming expedition routes. Can you guess where they are going? Are you interested in doing your DofE award? Then come and speak with us. #silverdofe #golddofe #dofe #dofesilver #dofegold #opendofecentre @dofewestsussex #dofeexpedition #ordinancesurvey
Our Bronzes were out at the weekend on the Ashdown Forest completing their training expedition. The weather was quite varied with both nice sunshine and downpours. #opendofecentre #dofebronze @dofewestsussex
Reposted from @dofeuk This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we're sharing some of the ways the DofE can improve mental health. Our 2020 Mental Health and Wellbeing Report showed that: * 72% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that doing the DofE is fun and enjoyable * 47% said the expedition made them physically fitter and healthier * 50% said their DofE volunteering made them more confident. #dofe #opendofecentre
We have relocated some of our equipment into a new cupboard, which is exciting for us. At the same time in preparation for expeditions this year we have been checking through it all. #dofeexpedition #opendofecentre #trangia @accesskit
This weekend we are training our #Bronzes in preparation for expeditions later this year. Today we have been looking at first aid, Trangias, food and how to pack a rucksack. #Dofe @dofewestsussex #opendofecentre #expedition #lifeskills
Repost from @dofeuk It’s with great sadness that we acknowledge the death of our Patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Thanks to HRH’s passion and commitment, through the DofE, millions of young people have been empowered with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to make the most out of life and make a difference to the world around them.
Interested in doing your Bronze #DofE Award? Have a chance to discover new interests, having fun, getting fit, gaining skills and achieving an Award that will help you stand out in job and uni applications. @dofeuk @dofewestsussex #dofesoutheast #BronzeDofE #opendofecentre #lifeskills
Reposted from @dofelondon There are lots of ways you can provide evidence to keep your #DofE assessor up to date with your progress, even if you can't see them in person at the moment. #dofe #opendofecentre
Repost from @dofelondon If you've not logged in to your eDofE account yet, remember to do this so your Leader can keep track of your programme activities and approve them. If you don't submit your programme planner, you might not choose the right activities! ⠀ ⠀ If you can't remember your username, speak to your DofE Leader who can help remind you! #dofe #edofe #opendofecentre
Reposted from @dofeuk It’s #SignLanguageWeek and this year’s theme is ‘Sign Language for all.’ This week, Award holder, Freya, will be here to teach us some basic signs we can all learn to help the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. #BritishSignLanguage #dofe #skillsection @britishdeafassociation
Reposted @dofeuk Dofe has extended all temporary changes, including young people being able to volunteer from home, adaptations to the Expedition and Residential sections, and the Certificate of Achievement, until 31 December 2022. #dofe #opencentres
Repost @dofeuk If you’re able to continue your DofE activities at home, we’re sharing a few ways that you can provide evidence for your Assessor remotely. Link in @dofeuk bio for more info. #DofEWithADifference
Reposted @dofeuk Looking after your mental health is so important, and especially now. Our new research shows that extracurricular learning, like your DofE, can help to maintain and boost your wellbeing. #MentalHealthMatters
Over the past few weeks some of our volunteer leaders have been updating our website. Why not take a look! . It is still in the same place www.midsussexdofe.org . #dofe #volunteers #dofeleaders #newwebsite @dofeuk @dofewestsussex
This week we have been online with our #Silvers catching up on their progress with their Volunteering, Physical and Skill sections and discussing plan for their expedition. #dofewithadifference @dofeuk @dofewestsussex
Are you interested in doing your Duke of Edinburgh Award? Do you want to know more about the DofE Award and how you could complete it with us? . Please contact us on here or via our email address info@midsussexdofe.org . @dofewestsussex #dofe #dofebronze #dofesilver #dofegold
Retweet from @dofelondon. If you've just started your #DofE, remember to check the activities you've chosen for your Volunteering, Physical and Skills section with your DofE Leader. Once your Leader is happy, you can start working towards your DofE Award! . #dofe #bronzedofe #silverdofe #golddofe #startyouadventure #opendofecentre
Retweet’s@mtntraining All-Weather Tips #2 • 'Emergency shelters/bothy bags are more often used as a lunch pit stop than an emergency bag. Keeps your lunch dry (ish) and the wind/chill off you whilst still.' • This all-weather tip has been provided by Gemma Aldridge, a @mt_association member, and Mountain Leader trainee. • Whether you're planning to attend a training course, have got your assessment coming up, already work/volunteer in the outdoor industry, or just want to stay informed, in touch and up to date, the Mountain Training Association has something for you; supporting you through your qualification journey and for the rest of your outdoor career. Membership of the association is not compulsory, and you need to be registered on a Mountain Training leadership scheme before you can join. #dofe #mountaintraining #allweather
Don't forget if you're buying online (maybe beginning to prepare for Christmas) purchases through Amazon Smile and Easyfundraising will donate money to our Centre and in turn help young people who are completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. smile.amazon.co.uk/ch1179689-0 easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/midsussesdofe/ #dofe #fundraising #charity
Some great ideas of activities you can do whilst social distancing from Dofe.org/dofewithadifference @dofewestsussex #dofe #dofewithadifference
Retweet @dofeuk A survey by @britishredcross showed that 97% of young people believe that first aid education would improve their confidence, skills and willingness. Why not learn first aid for your Skills section? #dofeuk #lifeskills
Retweet of @dofeuk Did you know that 84% of young people agree that volunteering makes them feel more responsible? Step up to serve with #DofE and #iWill.
Are you interested in doing your Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award? Join us tomorrow from 7pm or contact us. #dofe #dofesilver @dofewestsussex @dofesoutheast @dofeuk #midsussex
Today we had our Bronzes planning for their assessed expedition and gave them a refresher on trangias by making hot chocolate @dofesoutheast @dofewestsussex #dofe #dofebronze #ordinancesurvey #trangia
Don’t forget if you want to start your Bronze DofE journey with us then come down this evening at 7pm. @dofesoutheast @dofewestsussex #dofeuk #bronzedofe
Are you interested in doing the Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award? Then come and speak to us at the Mid Sussex Open DofE Centre on a Wednesday evening between 7pm and 9pm. Alternatively, contact us on info@midsussex.org. If you have any questions about the DofE Award itself or how we run the DofE programme at our Centre then just ask! Our Bronze Expedition programme will be starting on 9th October 2019 Our Silver Expedition programme will be starting on 6th November 2019 Our Gold Expeditions are on a rolling programme . . @dofesoutheast @dofewestsussex #dofe #dofebronze #dofesilver #dofegold #midsussex #burgesshill #haywardsheath #opencentre
This evening our Trustees are meeting to plan for the up and coming year. Will you be joining as a participant to start/continue your DofE journey? Or as an adult supporting the Centre and the Young People doing their DofE Award. Remember support doesn’t always have to be out in the hills it can be in the background. If this resonates with you we would love to hear from you. Contact us on info@midsussex.org or pop in on a Wednesday term time evening. . . @dofeuk @dofewestsussex @dofesoutheast #dofe #dofebronze #dofesilver #dofegold #volunteering #opencentre
We had another successful expedition last weekend with our Silvers. Even though the weather was variable they enjoyed the beauty of the Long Mynd - WELL DONE! Thank you to @bhillgirls yet again for the use of their transport and to the Long Mynd Adventure camp for the use of their building and campsite for our base camp. Also a massive THANK YOU to our leadership team for supporting the Silvers, not just during the expedition but throughout the months of training to prepare them - as well as in the time to come supporting them through their other sections. Our leadership team is made entirely of volunteers who do this so that young people have the chance to complete their @dofewestsussex @dofesoutheast #volunteering #dofe #dofesilver #expedition
Yesterday, the Silvers met some strong winds and heavy rain. However, they were happy and cheerful throughout - visiting the Stiperstones and the waterfall in the Carding Mill Valley. The Leader team were also able to enjoy the weather and scenery that the Long Mynd has to offer. @dofewestsussex dofewestsussex @dofesoutheast #longmynd #cardingmillvalley #dofe #dofesilver #stiperstones
The Silvers are making their way through Day 1, they have visited Pole Bank Trig Point and making their way to their campsite. Of course us as Leaders have also had a lovely walk up to the trig point, and stopping for a bilberry or two on the way. @dofewestsussex @ordnancesurvey #Dofe #dofesilver #longmynd
Arrived in the Long Mynd for the start of our Silvers assessed expedition tomorrow. They have cooked a good meal and had a meeting with their assessor prior to a quick game of manhunt. @dofewestsussex #dofesilver #dofe #assessedexpedition #longmynd @dofeuk
This weekend a couple of our leaders are doing their two day outdoor remote first aid course with Escape Outdoors #firstaid #lifeskills #Dofe #volunteering
Our Poster! . @dofewestsussex @dofesoutheast #Dofe #bronzeaward #silveraward #goldaward #volunteering #midsussex #burgesshill #haywardsheath #midsussexdofe
This morning we are with Mid Sussex Voluntary Action supporting a volunteering morning with the year 10 from Oathall Community College #Volunteering #makingadifference #MidSussexVA #oathallcommunitycollege @dofewestsussex
Over the weekend, two of our leaders enjoyed the South Downs National Park whilst assessing Bronze DofE for Burgess Hill Girls School. Well Done to all those who were out this weekend in the mixed British weather. @bhillgirls @dofewestsussex #DofE #bronzeaward #volunteering #southdowns
We hope you’re making the most of this weekend and going out on an #adventure Happy Easter from the Mid Sussex team #IamDofE :: Original post- #getoutsidechampion @glyngetoutside sharing a common dilemma when visiting the gorgeous South Downs National Park - which path to choose? #DiscoverNationalParks
This evening while the participants are enjoying their Easter Holiday, the Trustees are meeting to progress the the charity. If you think you can help run the Centre with DofE or would rather stay in the background helping we would love to hear from you
The last two weeks we have been covering first aid. Not just for @dofeuk expeditions but for every day. #firstaid #lifeskills
This evening we spent some time looking at food and menus in preparation for expeditions. @lupineadventure @dofeuk #dofesilver #midsussexdofe
Interested in DofE? Pop down on 10th and 17th October between 7pm and 8pm to find out about DofE at the Mid Sussex Open DofE Centre. #dofeuk @dofewestsussex #ordinancesurvey #silvacompass #midsussexdofe
A day spend checking all the expedition tents ready for the next season. #dofeuk #accessexpeditions #midsussexdofe
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