Team North spirit shines through during Duke of Edinburgh training weekend

Six staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust are celebrating the completion of an outdoor training weekend as part of their involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Award/Gaisce – The President’s Award.

Facing the worst of weather conditions, including driving rain, sleet and high winds, they worked together to navigate challenges and trails within Ballypatrick Forest outside Ballycastle, before spending the night at Watertop Farm.

With the training now complete, they’re looking forward to leading service users on their bronze-level expedition in the new year.

Patricia Brown, Manager of Rathmoyle Resource Centre in Ballycastle, was among those who took part: “This was a new experience for all of us, as our service users from Rathmoyle, Mountfern and Millbrook are taking part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Joint Award Initiative for the first time as part of a pilot project within the Trust,” she said.

“We are all still standing and what an adventure we had. Mother Nature threw everything at us but we are a hardy bunch and we got on with what we needed to do.

“The rain was running off our maps, and not many of us had put up tents in gales or used compasses in the driving rain but with Steve, our mentor and guide on hand, we got it finished, cold, wet but elated.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Joint Award Initiative has provided opportunities for service users to learn, meet new people and gain new skills, all while having fun. Those taking part are currently completing their skills/volunteering and physical sections of the award, with the final section set to include an expedition.

Thomas Haighton Manager of Hawthorns Adult Centre, added: “The weather could have been kinder to us, but regardless we all dug deep to get the task completed.

“Our staff training session will help to ensure that we have the skills we need to successfully support our service users when it’s time for their expedition.”

14th November 2025