This Volunteer Week, we’re shining a light on some of our amazing volunteers and why they do what they do!

What roles do you have with Girlguiding Edinburgh? 

I volunteer with Guides weekly but on occasions help out with holiday/emergency cover in Rainbows or Brownies, which is interesting and it’s great seeing what the other sections are doing!

I am also a former District Commissioner for Clermiston district. However, 18 months ago, after five-and-a-half years in the role, I handed this over to a lovely team of three who job share. I felt it was time for fresh ideas and firmly believe that the role of DC is paramount in keeping communication going. I am still a district admin and an ID verifier. I am also a mentor for Leaders in Training completing the LDP. Without new leaders coming in, we cannot give all the girls who want to join Guiding the opportunity and I feel passionate about ensuring we can give new leaders the best start.  The LDP gives the mentee all the tools and is mentee-led, which is great because the can take this at their own pace but also it can be completed in as little as six months. Since the LDP was introduced I have mentored five LiT to achieve their leader qualifications and currently have another three are in progress.

How long have you been volunteering with Girlguiding?

I have been volunteering with Girlguiding Edinburgh for almost 22 years – since my daughter came home from Brownies and told me I had to be a Guide leader or she could not go to Guides as the current leaders were leaving! I had no experience of Guiding, other than as a Brownie, but it is one of the best decisions I have ever made (my daughter is now a Rainbow Leader).

What is a favourite memory you have from volunteering with Girlguiding Edinburgh?

This is very difficult as there are so many to choose from! I was fortunate to go on an Intops trip to Cambodia in 2017 – this was incredible experience which I will always be grateful for. I also have fond memories of ‘Festival 08’, my first large outdoor event with Girlguiding Edinburgh and I am looking forward to Festival 25.

Why do you volunteer?

Ultimately, I volunteer because of the girls. There is nothing better than seeing a wee shy 10-year-old Guide join us, and watch her grow into a confident young woman. I love when girls share how Guiding has helped them and when you see their happy smiling faces when they have really enjoyed an activity.

Why should others get involved in volunteering with Girlguiding Edinburgh?