ONCE upon a time, the idea of joining a uniformed group as a child was the last thing you wanted to do.

However, since the early Nineties, the popularity of scouts, guides and other group activity organisations has been on the increase, with Witham’s 2nd Boys’ Brigade becoming one the the largest and most active voluntary groups of its kind in the country.

Caroline Taylor, deputy chief executive of Essex Community Foundation (ECF), which provides grants to such groups, says: “We are very pleased to support uniformed groups in Essex, as we recognise the important role they play in the community, giving young people opportunities, with the chance to develop their characters and learn valuable skills which will help them in later life.

“There are so many positive aspects to such groups – they provide a structure, a sense of identity and purpose, and somewhere for young people to channel their energy in a positive way.

“They also give a sense of community and provide the opportunity to be part of a team and make friendships that can last a lifetime.”

The first Boys’ Brigade was started in Glasgow in 1883 and Baden Powel, whowas a member of the Boys’ Brigade, started the Scout movement in 1907, with Girlguiding following in 1910.

While some of these groups started life through a connection with the church, they have evolved to reflect the multicultural and multifaith community surrounding them.

In Essex, as in many other parts of the UK, uniformed groups for young people have kept pace with modern times and are flourishing.

Lorne Campbell, chief executive officer at the 2nd Witham Boys’ Brigade, says groups such as the Boys’ Brigade, which involves boys and girls, offer more than just activity and sport.

The group, launched in 1972 and covering 25 square miles, has received a total of £4,000 in funding from the ECF to help it continue to offer activities such as rock climbing, car restoration, power boating and canoeing. It also offers support with CV writing and leadership skills.

The group nowhas a core membership of 150, with a community development programme that another 350 young people and staff are involved in.

He explains: “Boys’ Brigade is not just about adventure and outdoor pursuits. We have a community hub in Newland Precinct in Witham, woodcraft, music classes, conservation work and football for youngsters.

“In fact, police have said since the football classes have been running, levels of antisocial behaviour have dropped.”

Lorne says while membership may have dropped in the Eighties and Nineties, there has been a revival as parents now recognise the value of such groups.

He says: “They remember attending groups like this when theywere children and want their children to experience something similar.

They also want to offer their time to help run the groups, for if we don’t have the volunteers, we can’t offer the activity programmes we want and, in turn, youngsters are not interested in attending.

“I think young people now also want to experience something outside of school, where they can meet their peers, and connect with people from different generations who can offer them support and guidance and be a steady influence outside of the home.

“We work with a wide range of young people, particularly engaging with those who are disadvantaged. We go beyond the usual uniformed youth group activity, actively targeting boys and girls who are in need of support.

“We encourage young people to lead healthier lifestyles and to develop discipline and team skills, and also provide a variety of activities for young people to help them develop independent life skills such as self-esteem, communication, anger management and negotiation.

“Wearing a uniform, too, gives you an identity, a sense of belonging andaway to receive and give,” he adds.

 

CHARITABLE GIFT HAS HELPED COPS HIT THE RIGHT NOTES

BEING part of a uniformed group is about more than adventure and activity – it is also about support, says Flt Lt Doug Norman.

The Commanding Officer for Canvey Air Training Corps, supported by the Royal Air Force, explains the Corps’ band plays a vital part in the organisation.

The squadron band takes part in numerous events in the area, including Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Sunday and the Christmas lights switch-on.

With its busy schedule, equipment is well used.

To ensure the band continues its work, the ECF offered a £500 grant to help replace some of the instruments, including bugles, bell lyres and glockenspiels. The result was a record number of new recruits.

Flt Lt Doug Norman says: “We have had a band since the very early days of the squadron’s history and have always been proud of their musical abilities.

“We came to a point when much of the band’s equipment was at the end of its useful life and needed replacing. We started suffering embarrassing mishaps, like drum straps and skins breaking during performances.

“Equipment of this nature takes a ‘bashing’ both realistically and metaphorically and we needed to replace instruments and add more equipment into the squadron to accommodate a record number of new recruits.

“The new equipment means the squadron band can continue with its duties and take part in numerous local events. It has also enabled new recruits to come on board and learn new musical skills, adding to their own self-esteem and confidence.”

Caroline Taylor from ECF adds: “Canvey ATC is a shining example of a uniformed youth group engendering positive social behaviour, promoting discipline, good behaviour and general wellbeing, and raising the level of pride about youngsters on Canvey Island. The support ECF has been able to give Canvey ATC means that they can continue to be a very positive part of their community.”

 

WE'RE RELEVANT TO MODERN LIFE

AS ONE of the most popular organisations for young people in Essex, Girl Guiding has more than 7,000 members in the county.

Helen Venner, County Commissioner for Girlguiding Essex North East, says: “As a guiding county, we are forward-looking and very active. While we value our traditions and history, we are always striving to be modern and relevant to today’s girls.

“Guiding is about acquiring skills for life and enabling girls and women to be ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. There are nearly 600,000 members throughout the UK and 10 million members worldwide.”

Being a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or member of the Senior Section opens up a world of opportunities that will last a lifetime, says Helen.

She explains: “The range of activities is enormous and there’s something, or more than something, to appeal to everyone, from outdoor challenges to learning new skills, international travel to getting involved in community action projects.”

“But there’s more to guiding than having a good time.

Guiding is a game with a purpose. It provides opportunities for girls and young women to be challenged by new experiences and achieve a sense of pride in accomplishment.

“It helps them to think for themselves and make decisions, undertake teamwork and acquire leadership skills, as well as acquire self-awareness, self-respect and self-confidence.”

 

WHY I LOVE THE GUIDES

ARI Cook, 16, started in the Brownies aged seven, and joined the Guides aged ten.

Ari says: “I’d always wanted to join the guides so I was really happy when I could finally get a place. The group in our area was always very busy.

“I love it because you get to try so many different things – a couple of years ago I tried going on rope runners and climbing, things I hadn’t tried before.

“But at the end of the day, going to Guides is a really social thing. It’s a stress-free environment, no pressure to do anything, and if you need support it is there.

“There is always someone behind you to give you the push you need.”

 

ABOUT THE ESSEX COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

THE ECF is an independent charitable trust dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in Essex by investing and distributing funds on behalf of a wide range of donors.

Since its establishment in 1996, it has distributed grants totalling £26 million to voluntary and community organisations. Each year it awards around £2 million.

In the last year ECF has given grants to a wide range of uniformed groups in Essex.

The ECF manages 120 funds on behalf of individuals, families, companies and public agencies to help them channel charitable giving in the most effective and efficient way, from setting up a named fund to making one-off or regular contributions to funds, or leaving a legacy.

Visit essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call 01245 355947.