GIRLS in Dorset are missing out on valuable opportunities because they aren't enough volunteers to help with groups.

That's why a call is being made for helpers to come forward to support Girlguiding groups.

There are almost 1,200 girls waiting to join Girlguiding groups in Dorset.

Girlguiding offers girls a space to build confidence, have adventures and develop skills. But it is said that girls in the county are missing out on these opportunities because there aren’t enough volunteers.

Alice Waters, 25, a volunteer leader has been part of Girlguiding since joining Brownies as a child.

She said: “With the pressures of modern society it’s important for girls to have a space so they can just be girls. Guiding has evolved. Our purpose has changed, and we give women a voice to speak out on matters that concern them.

“For volunteers, the support network is so important. To know there are hundreds of thousands of other women out there wanting to make a difference is so powerful. I’ve made lifelong friends from guiding who have picked me up in some of my darkest times. Without guiding I wouldn’t be the confident woman I am now.”

In September, almost half a million Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and volunteers across the UK came together to tackle plastic pollution. Girls made a #PlasticPromise to reduce their single-use plastic – for example by using a re-usable lunch box – and wrote to their MPs about their concerns. They also used plastic waste to create sculptures of animals they want to protect.

And last summer the charity unveiled an updated programme of activities and badges reflecting the diversity of girls and modern life. New badges include Entrepreneur, Inventing, Navigator, Craftivism and Self-care.

Anyone can volunteer for Girlguiding. Volunteering is quick, easy and flexible, with a variety of roles available so people can give the time they have.

Amanda Medler, Girlguiding Chief Guide, said: “We urgently need more volunteers so girls across the UK don’t miss out on opportunities.”

Around 100,000 volunteers across the country currently give their time so that 400,000 girls and young women get to enjoy all 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.girlguiding.org.uk

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