Last month saw the release of the Girlguiding Girls’ Attitudes Survey which provides valuable insights into the lives and challenges of girls and young women today. It’s tough reading but there is also some positivity to be found. Girls say they are anxious about the future but they also say they are hopeful and curious. Girls and young women know they face challenges but they also feel they are coming together to be a powerful force for good.
What is hopeful in the report?
Girlguiding girls are up to 23% more confident on average than girls in the UK. In general they believe that confidence will be one of the most important attributes for a successful future.
We know they talk about topics that are important to them and they want to see change. A massive 82% have talked about change they would like to see to help the environment in the last 12 months. They want to work together with adults to tackle issues that matter to them.
What are we doing?
Did you see Girlguiding’s videos about AI generated content? This is fantastic and is just the sort of messaging that we need to share with girls and young women all year round. Units discuss this sort of thing all the time, particularly Ranger units. Together, we are slowly taking action towards a more equal future.
I’m inspired by young leaders
Young leaders develop their own skills when they donate their time to Girlguiding and they also inspire other young girls. They often provide a vital bridge between the girls in a unit and the adult leadership team. They can do far more than help with drinks and games although that’s important too. Did you know – a third of Rainbow, Brownie or Guide units don’t have a young leader or young external volunteer. I think represents a big opportunity for growth. Could your unit benefit from a young volunteer? If you have a young volunteer, how can you help them develop their skills?
We have 2 young leader trainings this autumn – 1 in Essex on 24 November and 1 in Cambridgeshire on 8 December. Bookings for the first day have now closed but bookings for the second training are open for a bit longer. If these events are successful, we’ll share what we learned with county volunteers so they can repeat the training around the region. We’re really fortunate that these training days are heavily subsidised by the Uniformed Youth Fund so tickets cost just £5. We’d strongly recommend that units support their young leaders with travel costs and the £5 ticket.
Any other exciting opportunities coming up?
Girlguiding are recruiting a specialist volunteer for youth leadership. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to empower girls and young women at an organisation level. You’ll work with staff and volunteers bringing leadership opportunities to Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Applications close at 9am on 20 November and you can apply by word document, voice or video. What a fantastic way to show all girls that they have leadership skills regardless of their age or previous experience.
We can do more together
Our 4 steps to recruitment success training is a practical and encouraging training about growing guiding in your local area. It works best when commissioners and other volunteers with a responsibility or interest in growing guiding apply and attend together. You’ll improve your skills, come away with lots of new tools and set your own goals and actions to grow guiding. Together we’ll strengthen our organisation and welcome more volunteers and girls.
The more people that join us, the bigger our impact on the communities we serve.
Click here for the last blog. The next blog is coming in December.
Return to the member support page
This month we welcomed the new inclusion and belonging volunteers. They’ve put together this blog to introduce themselves, what they love about guiding and what they’re passionate about. If you have any queries regarding inclusion and belonging, send us an email at hello@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk and we will be able to connect you to the team.
Inclusion and belonging lead volunteer: Ruby Goold
My name is Ruby and I was a Brownie in the 80’s and enjoyed every minute! Now, in my 40’s I’m a Brownie leader in Norfolk and still enjoy every minute. I’m also a mentor for new volunteers completing the learning and development programme.
A fun fact about me: I absolutely love my dogs and have always had a dog or two as part of my family! I can also speak French as I lived in France for 17 years.
Passionate about: Drawing on my past and present life experiences, I’m passionate about everyone being included. I was a young carer for my elderly father and I am a strong advocate for disability rights, mental health and wellbeing. I care for my partner who has multiple sclerosis and understand the everyday challenges for people with disabilities.
Inclusion and belonging advisor: Jenny Whitcombe
I was a Brownie and then a Guide back in the 90’s. I knew I would encourage my children to try guiding when they were old enough. When my daughter joined Rainbows, I loved when it was my turn to be a parent helper, so I volunteered to help regularly. That lead to me completing my leadership training, and now I volunteer with Rainbows and Guides. I also coordinate our districts second hand uniform supply, and am extremely excited to be a part of Anglia’s inclusion team.
A fun fact about me: I love wombats! Having lived in Australia for a while, and still frequently visit, I’ve fallen in love with wombats. Every trip I try and find a way to cuddle a wombat!
Passionate about: Within inclusion I’m passionate about neurodiversity and mental health. I have a background in psychology and nursing, and have 2 neurodivergent children. I myself also have ADHD and suffer from autoimmune conditions and allergies.
Inclusion and belonging advisor: Pippa Yeoman
My name is Pippa, I’ve only been part of Girlguiding Anglia for a year, but have been involved in other youth groups since I was 18. I’m a Guide and Brownie leader and am really enjoying being part of such an amazing organisation.
A fun fact about me: I love anything Disney and my house is mainly Disney themed. I enjoy doing all sorts of crafts; in particular sewing.
Passionate about: I’ve been involved in SEN through work and enjoy creating an atmosphere which includes everyone and meet the needs of each individual. I’m a full time wheelchair user and have many disabilities and have been made to feel so welcome within the Girlguiding family. I aim help others to feel like they belong no matter their disability.
Inclusion and belonging advisor: Jessica Moule
Hi! My name is Jess and my pronouns are she/ her. I’m in my 30’s and was a Brownie, Guide and Ranger myself. Now I am a leader in training with a Brownie unit in Cambridgeshire, hoping Girlguiding can show every girl the potential they have.
A fun fact about me: My favourite thing to do is go for afternoon tea. In recent years I was diagnosed with coeliac disease, this meant I had to go back to every place I’d ever been to for afternoon tea to sample the gluten free edition!
Passionate about: I am dynamically disabled and pride myself on being able to think out of the box. I’m hoping to use my imagination and adaptability to support others. There are many things I don’t know, but I’m hoping I can learn lots in the role as I meet others through guiding. I aspire to be an ally to all.
Inclusion and belonging advisor: Hailey Cocking
Hi, I’m Hailey and my pronouns are they/she. I was a Rainbow, Brownie and Guide as a child and now volunteer at two local units. I initially wanted to be a teacher; however, my disabilities had other plans, so now I enjoy being a part of creating a positive environment for children through guiding.
A fun fact about me: I love art in its many forms. Creating art myself through drawing, painting and photography; exploring the art of others through film and music; and delving into the history of all of the above are things that I enjoy.
Passionate about: Kindness and positive changes in the world. Each June for Pride Month, I help organise an international charity event which raises funds to aid LGBTQIA+ people globally in escaping the violence and oppression they face for simply being who they are. I also run an online community for LGBTQIA+ and disabled folks, many of whom take part in the charity event, and it is beyond rewarding to be able to create and maintain a safe space for those who need it.
If you have any queries regarding inclusion and belonging, send us an email at hello@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk and we will be able to connect you to the team.
