As a DofE volunteer, you’ll write and send letters through our Donate A Letter programme. For your DofE Award, 1 letter = 1 hour of volunteering. We ask volunteers to write 4 letters each month, which counts as 4 hours of volunteering.

Your letters don't need to be long or perfect. What matters is taking the time to write something thoughtful, positive and personal for someone who may be going through a difficult time.

As part of your volunteering, we also ask that you support From Me To You through fundraising - you can find the minimum amount for each level below.

There are lots of ways you can fundraise, and every pound raised helps us continue supporting people living with cancer through the power of letter writing.

How does it work?

Bronze

Volunteering period: 3 months.
Number of hours: 12.
Letters needed: 12

Amount to raise: £25

What’s the process?

Step 1: Sign Up

Complete our volunteer sign-up form - make sure you clearly state that you are a DofE student.

Step 2: Write Your First Letter

Write your first letter and send it to us. Don't worry about getting everything perfect - we'll review your first letter and give you feedback.

Step 3: Receive Feedback

We'll provide feedback on your first letter. This will help you understand our guidelines before you continue writing letters as part of your volunteering.

Step 4: Start Your Volunteering

Once you've received feedback, you can continue writing and sending your letters.

Step 5: Complete Your Required Letters

The number of letters you need to write depends on your DofE Award - as above! 

Step 6: Get Signed Off

Once you've completed your required letters and volunteering period, and we have received and processed your letters, we'll complete your DofE sign-off.

1. Tell us you are a DofE student

When you sign up, you must clearly state that you are volunteering as part of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (and ideally include your D of E ID number!). This is important because we need to know that you're a DofE volunteer so we can keep track of your letters and support your sign-off.

2. We'll give you feedback on your first letter

Before you begin submitting all of your letters, you'll send us your first letter. We'll review it and provide you with feedback to make sure you understand our letter-writing guidelines. Once you've received feedback, you can continue with your volunteering.

3. Don't leave your sign-off until the last minute

You must allow at least one month between sending your final letter and your DofE sign-off deadline. We need time to receive and process your final letters, update your volunteering record and complete your sign-off. Please do not send your final letter a few days before your deadline and expect an immediate sign-off. Plan ahead and make sure your final letter reaches us at least one month before your DofE deadline.