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 am currently a Brownie leader but have volunteered with Rainbows in the past. I am also a mentor which I find really enjoyable as, although I have a wealth of experience, sometimes it’s good to swap skills and learn from my mentee! I am also part of the Girlguiding Edinburgh Disability and Inclusion Team, and this is something I’m very passionate about as I currently use a walking stick and am the mother of a disabled young man, so have some lived experience of the world of additional support needs.

How long have you been volunteering with Girlguiding?

I became a Young Leader after leaving Guides way back in 1991, then I did my Adult Leadership Qualification and became a Guider in 1994. Apart from a six-month break when I had my son, and another wee break after bereavement, I have been volunteering for Girlguiding for 32 years!

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

It’s hard to choose just one as there have been so many great experiences as a Girlguiding volunteer! I’d probably have to say being a District Commissioner of the ‘old’ Grange District, which was a pretty unique experience as we had units as diverse as Guides and Rangers at the Blind School, George Heriots Brownies and all other age groups spread over seven different venues! I loved visiting the units and tried to do so at least once a term. I will never forget being shown how to chop pomegranates at the Blind School Ranger Unit, who were doing a tasting night, or going swimming with the Kirk O’ Fields Brownies who thought it was my job to come on their trip with them. I worked very hard to build some unity and communications between the units so that people knew who was who and how they fitted into the district. This meant that leaders didn’t feel isolated and that they could cooperate with one another and not feel they had to reinvent the wheel each week!

Why do you volunteer?

When I joined Brownies as an 8 year old, it was one of my lifetime ambitions to become a Brown Owl and to be as good and inspiring leader as I had in my childhood. I love spending time with the girls, and seeing the joy they get out of challenging themselves to do their best. Just last week we were practicing learning how to strike a match safely and the wonder on the wee Brownie’s face when she managed to do it was fantastic!

Why should others get involved in volunteering with Girlguiding Edinburgh?

Because you will make friends, learn many transferable skills but most of all you will have great fun!