We’re bursting with pride after our very own 1st Bridgwater Rangers were featured on ITV news. On Friday 15 November 2024 the girls spoke out about the amazing experiences they have in Girlguiding.
The interview was part of a segment highlighting the importance of Girlguiding for girls today. It opened with a nostalgic look back at Girlguiding in 1980, before contrasting it with our modern day organisation. The key message? Girlguiding is just as relevant, fun, and as vital, for girls today.
Empowering girls to speak out
Grace, from 1st Bridgwater Rangers, spoke about the Girlguiding programme. She explained that badges: “build your confidence for different things and getting to know who you are as a person”.
Emilee explained that Rangers “teaches you how to work in groups and build your confidence in socialising with other people.”
Rosie said the programme helps girls get through teenage life. “There’s set themes which I think really give an aim to what you’re working towards as things like ‘be well’ and ‘know yourself’… which I think really help girls have a better understanding of who they are”.
Amy Stephens, Assistant Leader, says “they can achieve anything that they put their minds to”.
The need for support
Chloe Oliver, the ITV journalist speaking in the segment, shared statistics from the latest Girls Attitudes Survey. She revealed that:
- 75% of girls have experienced online harm in the last year.
- 52% feel anxious about the future.
- 55% feel they have no one to talk to.
Overall, the survey indicated that the happiness of girls and young women is at its lowest level since 2009.
These statistics are a stark reminder of the challenges girls face today.
Girlguiding makes a difference
Thankfully, Girlguiding offers a safe space where girls can build confidence, develop essential life skills, and connect with supportive peers.
- Girlguiding girls are up to 23% more confident on average than girls in the UK – and the Girls Attitude Survey tells us that girls feel confidence will be one of the most critical attributes to their future success
- 88% of young Girlguiding members say the volunteers in their unit make them feel like they matter
- 70% of Girlguiding girls say they’re happy with their appearance
- 92% of girls from the most economically deprived areas say that Girlguiding is a place they can be themselves
- 82% of Girlguiding girls have talked about things they would like to change to help the environment in the last 12 months
Join the adventure
Are you looking for a place where girls can thrive, be themselves, and make a difference? Then look no further than Girlguiding Somerset. We welcome girls aged 4-18 and adult volunteers who are passionate about empowering girls.
Head over to girlguiding.org.uk to register and start your Girlguiding adventure today. We’ll take contact details, let you choose your preferred local unit, and one of our volunteers will get in touch.
Don’t forget to check out the video clip featuring 1st Bridgwater Rangers!
Girlguiding Somerset county 