Growing Minds Spotlights Mental Health on BBC Radio Gloucestershire Amid Record-Breaking DofE Uptake

In Gloucestershire on the 24 June 2025 – Kirstin, course creator and mental health lead at Growing Minds with DofE, shared the airwaves on BBC Radio Gloucestershire yesterday at 10:35 am, championing the importance of positive psychology and emotional resilience for young people. The timely interview follows The Times article highlighting a record-breaking Duke of Edinburgh’s Award uptake—with over 342,000 new participants this year.

Kirstin discussed how mindfulness, brain science, and emotional intelligence are vital tools for navigating exam stress, social pressure, and major life transitions.

“The DofE is about more than adventure—it's about self-belief. At Growing Minds with DofE, we help young people build that inner toolkit. Mindfulness and positive psychology are how we do it.” – Kirstin Eccles, Course creator & Mental Health Mentor

As an Approved Activity Provider for the DofE Skills Section, Growing Minds with DofE offers flexible, creative, and evidence-based online programmes in mindfulness. With student pressure at an all‑time high, Kirstin’s insights were powerful and timely.

🎧 Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds @ approx. 10.35am: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002dm1n🌐

Learn more: www.growingmindswithkirstin.org

For further information or media enquiries, please contact:📧 support@growingmindswithkirstin.org