Merton’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or Questioning (LGBTQ) teenagers are being encouraged to take part in a new project as part of the council’s Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The project involves a weekly programme of volunteering, sports and skills, as well as a summer expedition, and is open to those between the ages of 14 and 16 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

The scheme will run from the end of next month to the end of the year, and is aimed at those who are working towards their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Participants must tick off volunteering, learning new skills, and taking part in team or individual sports in order to get the award.

What exactly they do in each of these categories is up to them, meaning the project can encompass a wide variety of activities from helping out at a local old people’s home to learning to cook, and everything in between.

A summer expedition can be similarly varied, but often sees young people orienteer, camp, bike, hike and walk through the countryside in a team-building adventure.

Activities will be carried out alongside adult LGBTQ mentors, who can offer advice and support to participants.

Merton’s director of children, schools and families, Yvette Stanley, said: “This is a great opportunity for LGBTQ young people to make new friends and socialise as well as gain a qualification that can help their job prospects in the future.”

She added that the award “develops resilience, confidence and a ‘can do’ attitude as well as the social and communication skills that businesses are calling out for.”

There are 12 free places available on the scheme. For more information, contact 020 8274 5828 or email dofeaward@merton.gov.uk.