Thanks to funding from CashBack for Communities, a Scottish Government programme which reinvests the proceeds of crime back into communities, she’s been working hard to help existing units access funding so they can deliver amazing opportunities to girls in areas of need around Scotland.

Things have been really busy since I took on my new role and although it’s been a while since I was a young member myself, it’s been great to see Girlguiding is still a fun and empowering organisation. I’ve met with many amazing volunteers, our Scottish Chief Commissioner team, our growth coordinators and our commissioners. Everyone has been so helpful by sharing their guiding expertise with me which I’m so grateful for.

So, what else have I been up to over the last three months I hear you ask? Here’s some achievements so far…

Helping units access support to deliver new opportunities for girls

We’ve been spreading the word far and wide about Generation CashBack funding (which is available to Guide and Ranger units that meet certain postcode criteria, who can demonstrate that their activities support young people impacted by crime, or help divert them from paths that may lead to antisocial behaviour).

It’s been fantastic to see units benefiting from this, like the 20th Perth Rangers who received funding and used it to get new stoves and cooking sets. This means they can now give their girls the best possible outdoor guiding experiences where they’ll learn fun and useful skills for life.

Bringing guiding to even more girls

I’ve also been helping support volunteers in Fife, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire to get new units up and running in these areas so we can bring guiding to even more girls!

A virtual unit has already been set up in Fife which helps girls in remote communities (or who can’t attend meetings in person for other reasons) join in the fun of guiding. As for the other areas I’ve mentioned, the main focus right now is working with CashBack to make sure new units have all the equipment and resources girls they need to open their doors as soon as possible. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates about this on social media!

What comes next?

I’m still working away during the summer months so I’m available to support as many volunteers and units as possible to help improve their existing guiding offer, grow their unit or start a new unit altogether. If you’d like to find out more feel free to drop me an email at Andrea@girlguiding-scot.org.uk or follow me on Twitter and Facebook.