Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK and began in 1910. In Cleveland we have 3,500 members ranging from Rainbows aged 4-7 years through to Brownies (7-10 years), Guides (10-14 years), Rangers (14-18 years) and adults. We give girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities.
We have structured programmes for each age group and in order to deliver these we need the help and support of lots of dedicated volunteers. University volunteers are a welcome extra pair of hands as there is always a need for someone to provide that extra support with the programme such as supervising games, supporting with crafts, providing an extra person on a trip or outing.
Some volunteers just enjoy coming along and helping and take no part in planning the programme. Others decide to undertake our Girlguiding Leadership qualification which involves attending training and planning activities - it also looks good on a CV. University volunteers bring fresh ideas, a new face for the girls to interact with and plenty of enthusiasm and energy. Often they have hidden skills or hobbies or useful contacts which can be tapped into to provide a different fun activity evening for the girls.
Volun-tees is very efficient at notifying us of prospective volunteers. Their annual Information and Networking events at the start of each academic year are very beneficial as you are informed of changes to the system and receive other valuable information. We have also made use of the offer to give a presentation to students on a Wednesday afternoon to inform students about our work. Volun-tees always ensures we are notified promptly of Volunteering fairs and promotions so that we have the best opportunity to attend.
Top tips for other organisations? As soon as you receive notification of a prospective volunteer make contact straightway. Students are busy people so you need to grab them before they get booked up with something else. Ensure they are supported within your organisation by a buddy or mentor and that they feel wanted.
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