At a time when over one million young people are out of employment or training, the transformation of Duke of Edinburgh Award's London office space will allow for a greater number of DofE team members and better volunteer training facilities
THE DAIKIN distributor, Space Airconditioning has supported the DofE through the provision of a state-of-the-art Daikin VRV air conditioning system.

Space Air's input in this project was unusual as the company took on full project management, working with approved Daikin installation contractors, Air Improve. This included administering the formal planning application and arranging the decommissioning, removal and recycling of existing redundant equipment. Two Daikin VRV heat pump systems complete with integrated heat recovery ventilation and a combination of roundflow and fully flat cassettes, plus a dedicated server room cooling system were installed, all controlled by Daikin's centralised Intelligent Manager. The support of Space Air enabled the DofE London and Fundraising teams to move from cramped conditions to a newly refurbished, open plan and modern office with a state-of-the-art training facility in Belgrave Road, Victoria.

The move will afford DofE team members better volunteer training facilities, ensuring they have the skills to meet the needs of young people across the capital, supporting them on their journey to achieving a globally recognised, life-changing award.

Demand for the DofE in London is increasing. Over the next three years, the DofE charity will work with over 100,000 young Londoners, helping them to develop life skills, build confidence and stand out in the increasingly competitive jobs market.

Space Air has been an active supporter of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award for 15 years, initially as a Charter for Business member and now a Silver Partner. In addition to its fundraising role, the company has been pleased to assist the charity in recent years with providing Daikin heating and air conditioning systems for its head office in Windsor, as well as regional offices in London and the Midlands.

The DofE's new offices were officially opened by the charity's Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, on 9th October 2013, and he unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

Jacqueline Larcombe, director of fundraising at the DofE says: 'This move couldn't have come at a more needed time, with participation in the DofE increasing by record numbers each year.

'This new wonderful office space will make a significant difference to our work. In particular, the training facilities will assist in up-skilling our network of teachers, leaders and volunteers so that they are better equipped to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to young people in schools and youth centres across the capital. Our Young Ambassadors will now have somewhere nice to meet; the voice of young people is paramount in ensuring The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is relevant and dynamic.'

Peter Fleet, director of the DofE in London comments: 'At a time when young people really need our help, we are determined to increase the number of centres and volunteers skilled and able to support more young people and we can't thank those that have supported us enough.'

Neil Afram, managing director of Space Air adds: 'It is always a pleasure to be involved with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award; we very much admire the work it does with young people from all walks of life. These bright new offices now have the benefit of the latest in Daikin air conditioning technology which will greatly enhance the comfort levels for staff and visitors.'

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award works with young people aged 14-25 across the UK, there are currently over 300,000 young people taking part in a DofE programme, 30,000 of which are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The DofE relies on donations and needs to raise over £100,000 every week to continue to develop and reach more young people across the UK. To find out more about the work of the DofE and how you can support it, visit www.DofE.org