Sheffield girls’ organisation grows with new group launch

And such is the success of these virtual meetings and adventures at home, a brand new Rainbow group in Sheffield has been able to open to meet demand from the youngest members, aged between five and seven-yeasr-old.

With many of the existing Girlguide volunteers being keyworkers it has been difficult to run some meetings, but recently new helpers chave stepped forward to offer their services.

As a result of this, existing groups have been merged to form the 1st Hallam and Crosspool District Rainbow unit.

This has offered youngsters in the Nether Green, Ranmoor and Crosspool areas the opportunity to start their Girlguiding adventure.

Members were introduced to Girlguiding virtually to begin with and then with face to face as soon as this is possible.

Division Commissioner Kerri Hickman said: “I am delighted that we are still able to offer Guiding in the midst of a pandemic.

"Historically, Girl Guides have always risen to the occasion in difficult times showing resilience and imaginative ways of solving problems.

"It is heart warming to see local volunteer leaders continuing to work together to support units and each other, and we look forward to welcoming our new Rainbows.

"However, there are still a large number of girls on waiting lists and we would welcome further volunteers.”

She continued: “We feel it is more important than ever to be able to offer girls and young women a safe space.

"Many leaders have also found positive benefits to volunteering during a lockdown – not least is breaking the boxset/sofa/eating/online quiz routine and having something to look forward to each week.”

After their first virtual meeting Rainbow Emmie, aged six, said: “I LOVE it, it’s the best thing in my life!” and mum of Lila, aged five, said “Lila really enjoyed Rainbows.

"She was really engaged the whole time and can’t wait for the next one.”

To register interest in joining Girlguiding Sheffield as a young member or volunteer, please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or call 0800 169 5901.

*Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, with over half a million members.

Thanks to the dedication and support of 100,000 volunteers, they are active in every part of the UK, giving girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities.

A spokesman said: “We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations.

“We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun.”

The organisation runs Rainbows for those aged five to seven, Brownies agesd seven to ten, Guides ten to 14 and the Senior Section 14 to 25-years-old.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.