Girlguiding Ulster volunteers needed to inspire the next generation of girls and young women

Volunteers are needed to join Girlguiding and inspire and empower the next generation of girls and young women across Northern Ireland.

There are currently 829 girls in Northern Ireland who are missing out on opportunities for adventure and trying out new activities with their friends because there aren’t enough volunteers to run Girlguiding groups.

As the leading charity for girls and young women, Girlguiding offers girls a space to build their confidence, have adventures, develop their skills and have fun. Earlier this year the charity unveiled a revamped programme of activities and badges, bringing everything up to date to create a unique and extensive choice of activities which reflects the diversity of girls and modern life in the 21^st century. New badges include Entrepreneur, Inventing, Navigator, Craftivism and Self-care.

Brenda Herron, Chief Commissioner “We want to give more girls and young women the chance to join Rainbows, Brownies, Guides or Rangers, but for this to happen we need more people to volunteer. The most important thing is just to be yourself. No matter what skills, interests or experience you have we can find a role for you, and you can give whatever time you’re able to, all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to laugh and have fun.”

Sarah, Co Armagh leader “I heard my local Guide group was in need of volunteers and thought, why not? It was the best decision I ever made. I never realised it would be so much fun and I’ve made a fantastic group of friends among the other volunteers. It’s been such a privilege to witness how the girls who have come into Guides grow so much in confidence during the time they’re with you. We’ve been on camping trips, played games, welcomed our local MP to our meeting and had discussions about careers – there’s always variety.”

Girlguiding recently launched #InspireGirls, a multi-channel campaign featuring films on social media and starring members from the charity. Anyone can get involved in guiding, whether or not they’ve previously been a member, and with a variety of voluntary roles to choose from, people can give the time that suits them.

Amanda Medler, Girlguiding Chief Guide, said: “The campaign really captures the spirit of fun and friendship at the heart of Girlguiding. Every week our volunteers give their time to run activities for girls and young women across the UK and I know from being a leader at a Guide group what a rewarding and laughter-filled experience it is. We now have our new programme of activities and badges so it’s an exciting time to join Girlguiding for anyone who wants to play a role in inspiring the next generation of girls and young women.”

100,000 volunteers across the country currently give their time to enable 400,000 girls and young women to enjoy all that Girlguiding has to offer.

For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding, the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, visit www.girlguidingulster.org.uk.

or register online at Girlguiding Ulster Volunteers