Guiding needs more leaders (From Knutsford Guardian)

Guiding needs more leaders

11:40am Tuesday 4th December 2012 in News

GROWING demand from girls in the Chelford, Prestbury and Alderley area to become Rainbows, Brownies or Guides is creating a knock-on shortage of adult leaders.

More people over the age of 18 are needed in the Alderley Edge Guiding District to volunteer to help or train as guiders to support youngsters wishing to join the largest uniformed organisation in the world.

As older leaders retire, or as new Guiding units look to start, there aren’t enough volunteers in the area to meet demand.

“It’s a fantastic organisation to be part of,” said Judy Povey, a member of the Alderley District Guiding recruitment team.

”We have growing demand from young girls to join, partly because it’s one of the few girls-only environments where girls can just be themselves, and also because of what’s on offer through Guiding, that nothing else can replicate.

“Besides the skills and experiences they can get through Guiding in their own area, the chance to network with Guiding around Britain, or to travel and experience Guiding around the world, is unbeatable.

“But we can’t keep up with demand in the Alderley District area. We need more helpers and new leaders, and we’re asking all adults in the area to think about volunteering some of their time to help us out.”