How are students across the UK volunteering at Girlguiding?
Check the map to see how students close by - and not so close by - juggle work, study, mental heath, socialising, and volunteering.
To find out more about flexible volunteering, visit our webpage on all the different ways you can volunteer.
Polly Chappell
Sheffield
Materials Science and Engineering
I currently make a regular commitment volunteering each week, but previously volunteered some weekends as well at Glenbrook TAC. Volunteering can be really fun and experiences can vary with responsibility. Units are welcoming to new leaders and finding a group is fairly easy. I would recommend contacting the local district as they will have a good idea of what opportunities are available. Most areas will have larger events so if you can’t make a regular commitment ask about events!
Abby Moore
Nottingham
Medicine
Staying organised, my planner is my lifeline! and having a really good network of friends who are also volunteers that I met through SSAGO that can always be relied on to help last-minute.
Izzy Mawdsley
Nottingham
Education
The thing I love most about volunteering with Guiding is that it can be what I want. There are minimum requirements which allow me to keep my unit open, but there are so many additional responsibilities, projects and committees that I could get involved with, depending on what interested me which would allow me to do more.
Freya Hayward
Birmingham
Mathematics
Keep in contact with fellow leaders and get involved with social events to get to know people.
Emily King
Birmingham
Chemistry
Make lists! Write down everything you need to do and prioritise it- whether it's for work, uni, or Girlguiding - write it down and you’ll be able to see what time you have to do what.
Rebecca Argall
Birmingham
Mathmatics and Computer Science
Communicating with your leadership team is the most important thing. We have a leaders' WhatsApp group so we can quickly ask a question, or get a helping hand with something.
Paige Johns
Cornwall/Norwich
Developmental Psychology
I volunteer as unit assistant leader at home in Cornwall, and at university in Norwich.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
I have developed skills, and completing the adult leadership gives me something to talk about at interviews and on my CV.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
Although there can be challenges, the young people make it worth it!
Kyra Pugh
Liverpool
Creative Industries and Performing Arts Management
The unit I am with are very good at being flexible for all the volunteers as we all have hectic schedules. Brown Owl works in a school, Eagle Owl is a doctor, we have a DofE student who has to balance school, and then there’s 2 university students including me. If we have too much on, we simply take a break and reschedule for another week. [Girlguiding is] a great group to be a part of, it really is like a family.
Gabriella Lockwood
Cornwall/Inverness
Zoology
Where do you volunteer?
Currently as a unit leader with a Brownie unit in Inverness (in my placement year) and online as a member of the Cornwall PR and MGR team. I will return as a unit leader with a Brownie unit when I move back to Cornwall and continue my PR and Management Growth & Retention role.
I enjoy the hour and a half I spend with Brownies every week because I can switch my brain off and not think about what else might be going on in my life. For that hour and a half the most important thing to me is ensuring all our unit members are having fun!
Elizabeth Bickford
Bangor/Midlands
Psychology
Did you know any of the other volunteers before you got involved?
When I moved to university I didn’t know anyone in the area. I met Megan through BUGS (Bangor University Guide and Scouts Society) and she introduced me to her unit and many other leaders, who've all been very welcoming and helped me settle in.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
It has taught me confidence and has given me a chance to work with girls and women of all ages and from every background, which inspired me to pursue a career in educational psychology.
Catherine Clarke
Hertfordshire
Physical Geography
How do you balance volunteering with your personal schedule?
I only offer to plan and run sessions on one-off bases, and when I know I’ll be able to do it well. Even though this seems patchy, the leadership team appreciate it.
Any difficulties with volunteering?
Volunteering in Newcastle on top of my university and social schedules was unfortunately too much, so I only volunteer now during the university holidays.
Any tips for new volunteers?
It’s okay to not get on with the first unit you meet/find to volunteer with. Don’t let this dissuade you. Equally, don’t worry about wanting to switch age groups.
Imogen Clunie
Norwich
Medicine
How did you first get involved with Girlguiding?
I got an ad on Facebook and decided to enquire. I was then contacted and given a choice of units.
Is volunteering easy?
Yes, in the sense that I enjoy it and have made some good friends with the other leaders in my unit, and that I find it easy to plan things for different ages. But it doesn’t come without its challenges and stresses, though these are easily worked through with others.
Sophie Foster
Southampton
Medicine
I help with the admin and finance side of the unit. I have placement away from Southampton so it can be difficult to attend unit meetings.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
Massive confidence boost, public speaking, how to engage with children - has massively helped on paediatrics!
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
Do it - you’ll never regret it.
Ruby Foster
London and South East Region
Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences
Last year I took a gap year and lived at home, so I was able to volunteer every week... Now that I am away at university, the amount of time I can volunteer varies month to month, depending on when I am home and how the holidays coincide together.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
I would recommend volunteering with Girlguiding to anyone considering it – I have really enjoyed my time as a leader, and have learnt and developed a lot.
Sophie Austin
Lancaster
Spanish and German
I volunteer in Lancaster at university and St Albans at home. I’ve always volunteered on a Thursday evening so it’s like a habit now, and as I only do an hour a week, it doesn’t get in the way of much.I think volunteering has improved my self confidence and my leadership skills.
Hannah Pollard
Lancaster
History
The other leaders and I agree on a plan at the beginning of each term that ensures that no one is running a meeting in a week when they have an exam or coursework. Rainbows is a good break from university work as it's lovely to spend time with the girls.
Emma Flowers
Ulster, Northern Ireland
Sociology
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
It is rewarding to see the girls’ reactions and smiles when you deliver fun activities.
Any top tips?
Don’t be afraid to suggest your ideas or book onto trainings or events. They are there to aid your role. There is a support network of county commissioners that can help with any issues.
Amy McAlees
County Down, Northern Ireland
Geography
Volunteering within my unit is very flexible. When I have more commitments or deadlines upcoming, I can just show up for the night, but times I know I am not as busy I can do more.
Volunteering with Girlguiding has really helped develop my confidence, leadership, and communication skills through completing my leadership qualification. I have also learnt how to adapt activities (crafts and games) and communication towards younger children as well as the importance of having a strong support system of leaders within the unit.
Charlotte Bankes
Ceredigion, Cymru
Mathematics
How did you first get involved with Girlguiding?
I joined Rainbows when I was 4, and just haven’t left.I volunteer at 14th Gloucester Brownies when at home, and 2nd Aberystwyth Brownies, 1st Llanrhystud Rainbows, 1st Llanrhystud Guides when at university.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
You don’t have to have skills to take part, as long as you are enthusiastic you will find something for you.
Katherine Scott
Edinburgh / Lothian
History
I volunteer one evening a week in Guides and admin. My mum suggested it as a way to meet people in my first year of university. Previously I had nothing to do with Girlguiding.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
Absolutely. Volunteering with Guides has improved my soft skills, communication and confidence.
Any tips or tricks for new volunteers?
Reach out to other volunteers on WhatsApp if you need help. Everyone is lovely.
Holly Youngs
Bath
Norland Nanny
How do you balance volunteering with your personal schedule?
Running my own unit I’ve found to be very good for my mental health - it is the highlight of my month and I get so much joy from it. The monthly session always seems to come around when I need it the most! I am able to balance it well, especially considering it’s a monthly unit - I can plan it across the month which means the planning becomes more manageable as it has less of a time pressure to it in comparison to weekly.
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Transcript
How are students across the UK volunteering at Girlguiding?
Check the map to see how students close by - and not so close by - juggle work, study, mental heath, socialising, and volunteering.
To find out more about flexible volunteering, visit our webpage on all the different ways you can volunteer.
Polly Chappell
Sheffield
Materials Science and Engineering
I currently make a regular commitment volunteering each week, but previously volunteered some weekends as well at Glenbrook TAC. Volunteering can be really fun and experiences can vary with responsibility. Units are welcoming to new leaders and finding a group is fairly easy. I would recommend contacting the local district as they will have a good idea of what opportunities are available. Most areas will have larger events so if you can’t make a regular commitment ask about events!
Abby Moore
Nottingham
Medicine
Staying organised, my planner is my lifeline! and having a really good network of friends who are also volunteers that I met through SSAGO that can always be relied on to help last-minute.
Izzy Mawdsley
Nottingham
Education
The thing I love most about volunteering with Guiding is that it can be what I want. There are minimum requirements which allow me to keep my unit open, but there are so many additional responsibilities, projects and committees that I could get involved with, depending on what interested me which would allow me to do more.
Freya Hayward
Birmingham
Mathematics
Keep in contact with fellow leaders and get involved with social events to get to know people.
Emily King
Birmingham
Chemistry
Make lists! Write down everything you need to do and prioritise it- whether it's for work, uni, or Girlguiding - write it down and you’ll be able to see what time you have to do what.
Rebecca Argall
Birmingham
Mathmatics and Computer Science
Communicating with your leadership team is the most important thing. We have a leaders' WhatsApp group so we can quickly ask a question, or get a helping hand with something.
Paige Johns
Cornwall/Norwich
Developmental Psychology
I volunteer as unit assistant leader at home in Cornwall, and at university in Norwich.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
I have developed skills, and completing the adult leadership gives me something to talk about at interviews and on my CV.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
Although there can be challenges, the young people make it worth it!
Kyra Pugh
Liverpool
Creative Industries and Performing Arts Management
The unit I am with are very good at being flexible for all the volunteers as we all have hectic schedules. Brown Owl works in a school, Eagle Owl is a doctor, we have a DofE student who has to balance school, and then there’s 2 university students including me. If we have too much on, we simply take a break and reschedule for another week. [Girlguiding is] a great group to be a part of, it really is like a family.
Gabriella Lockwood
Cornwall/Inverness
Zoology
Where do you volunteer?
Currently as a unit leader with a Brownie unit in Inverness (in my placement year) and online as a member of the Cornwall PR and MGR team. I will return as a unit leader with a Brownie unit when I move back to Cornwall and continue my PR and Management Growth & Retention role.
I enjoy the hour and a half I spend with Brownies every week because I can switch my brain off and not think about what else might be going on in my life. For that hour and a half the most important thing to me is ensuring all our unit members are having fun!
Elizabeth Bickford
Bangor/Midlands
Psychology
Did you know any of the other volunteers before you got involved?
When I moved to university I didn’t know anyone in the area. I met Megan through BUGS (Bangor University Guide and Scouts Society) and she introduced me to her unit and many other leaders, who've all been very welcoming and helped me settle in.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
It has taught me confidence and has given me a chance to work with girls and women of all ages and from every background, which inspired me to pursue a career in educational psychology.
Catherine Clarke
Hertfordshire
Physical Geography
How do you balance volunteering with your personal schedule?
I only offer to plan and run sessions on one-off bases, and when I know I’ll be able to do it well. Even though this seems patchy, the leadership team appreciate it.
Any difficulties with volunteering?
Volunteering in Newcastle on top of my university and social schedules was unfortunately too much, so I only volunteer now during the university holidays.
Any tips for new volunteers?
It’s okay to not get on with the first unit you meet/find to volunteer with. Don’t let this dissuade you. Equally, don’t worry about wanting to switch age groups.
Imogen Clunie
Norwich
Medicine
How did you first get involved with Girlguiding?
I got an ad on Facebook and decided to enquire. I was then contacted and given a choice of units.
Is volunteering easy?
Yes, in the sense that I enjoy it and have made some good friends with the other leaders in my unit, and that I find it easy to plan things for different ages. But it doesn’t come without its challenges and stresses, though these are easily worked through with others.
Sophie Foster
Southampton
Medicine
I help with the admin and finance side of the unit. I have placement away from Southampton so it can be difficult to attend unit meetings.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
Massive confidence boost, public speaking, how to engage with children - has massively helped on paediatrics!
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
Do it - you’ll never regret it.
Ruby Foster
London and South East Region
Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences
Last year I took a gap year and lived at home, so I was able to volunteer every week... Now that I am away at university, the amount of time I can volunteer varies month to month, depending on when I am home and how the holidays coincide together.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
I would recommend volunteering with Girlguiding to anyone considering it – I have really enjoyed my time as a leader, and have learnt and developed a lot.
Sophie Austin
Lancaster
Spanish and German
I volunteer in Lancaster at university and St Albans at home. I’ve always volunteered on a Thursday evening so it’s like a habit now, and as I only do an hour a week, it doesn’t get in the way of much.I think volunteering has improved my self confidence and my leadership skills.
Hannah Pollard
Lancaster
History
The other leaders and I agree on a plan at the beginning of each term that ensures that no one is running a meeting in a week when they have an exam or coursework. Rainbows is a good break from university work as it's lovely to spend time with the girls.
Emma Flowers
Ulster, Northern Ireland
Sociology
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
It is rewarding to see the girls’ reactions and smiles when you deliver fun activities.
Any top tips?
Don’t be afraid to suggest your ideas or book onto trainings or events. They are there to aid your role. There is a support network of county commissioners that can help with any issues.
Amy McAlees
County Down, Northern Ireland
Geography
Volunteering within my unit is very flexible. When I have more commitments or deadlines upcoming, I can just show up for the night, but times I know I am not as busy I can do more.
Volunteering with Girlguiding has really helped develop my confidence, leadership, and communication skills through completing my leadership qualification. I have also learnt how to adapt activities (crafts and games) and communication towards younger children as well as the importance of having a strong support system of leaders within the unit.
Charlotte Bankes
Ceredigion, Cymru
Mathematics
How did you first get involved with Girlguiding?
I joined Rainbows when I was 4, and just haven’t left.I volunteer at 14th Gloucester Brownies when at home, and 2nd Aberystwyth Brownies, 1st Llanrhystud Rainbows, 1st Llanrhystud Guides when at university.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering at Girlguiding?
You don’t have to have skills to take part, as long as you are enthusiastic you will find something for you.
Katherine Scott
Edinburgh / Lothian
History
I volunteer one evening a week in Guides and admin. My mum suggested it as a way to meet people in my first year of university. Previously I had nothing to do with Girlguiding.
Have you learnt anything from volunteering?
Absolutely. Volunteering with Guides has improved my soft skills, communication and confidence.
Any tips or tricks for new volunteers?
Reach out to other volunteers on WhatsApp if you need help. Everyone is lovely.
Holly Youngs
Bath
Norland Nanny
How do you balance volunteering with your personal schedule?
Running my own unit I’ve found to be very good for my mental health - it is the highlight of my month and I get so much joy from it. The monthly session always seems to come around when I need it the most! I am able to balance it well, especially considering it’s a monthly unit - I can plan it across the month which means the planning becomes more manageable as it has less of a time pressure to it in comparison to weekly.