tsa_impact_report_1011 by Deniz Tekkul

Meet Paula on page 13

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Meet Helen on page 9

/impact k .u g r .o s t u sco Meet Trevor on page 5

Meet Greg on page 11

Meet Fi on page 7

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Scouting activities take place every week, in almost every street in every community in the UK. Not all of our 400,000 young people and 100,000 adult volunteers have skydived, gone ice climbing or visited the South Pole. But every one of them has experienced something different, or had the opportunity to challenge themselves as a result of being involved in Scouting. While Scouting takes place locally, The Scout Association is a UK organisation.

Through adventure, we challenge individuals so they learn and experience new things that enrich their lives. Scouting is about making life better â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our members are healthier, happier and more confident. Our work is transforming lives, communities, families and individuals. This impact report shows you a few of the highlights of our work in communities like yours. Autumn 2011

. s t n e t Con 4 nts e m e v ie h c a Our e year 14 th m o fr ts h Highlig 16 ture n e v d a g in Valu

www.scouts.org.uk

Meet Paula on page 12

Meet Helen on page 8

Meet Trevor on page 4

Meet Greg on page 10

Meet Fi on page 6

G N I G D I R B DIVIDED . ES I T I COMMUN Trevor

National action Scouting gives people the power to change their own lives. It offers adventure-based activities for young people and adults alike – from all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. By working together, young people and volunteers learn that it’s better to co-operate than create divisions. We strive to promote Scouting to a variety of different communities, increasing public awareness and supporting local recruitment. This year we attended various events, from the Asian Ipswich Mela to London Pride and the Global Peace and Unity event.

Interest in Scouting from Muslim communities has continued to grow, with a 19 per cent increase in the number of young people experiencing Scouting in predominantly Muslim Groups. And to extend our work into diverse communities, we are creating volunteer Diversity Ambassadors and County inclusion teams. We’re confident that this will help us create a unified, equal and harmonious Scouting Movement – which will benefit everyone in our society.

19%

more Scouts from Muslim communities

www.scouts.org.uk

Case study 1: Local impact In Northern Ireland, Scouting is helping bring together previously divided communities. Trevor is a Belfast-based volunteer, who worked in partnership with Joan, a project worker.

Joan

‘Some children from inner-city areas of Belfast have never had a chance to share their views with each other.

‘They’re working with over 2,000 young people, putting their diversity training into action on a weekly basis.

‘Scouting in Northern Ireland is giving them a real opportunity to say what they think. It challenges their own perceptions as we move forward in the peace process.

‘I think Scouting has done something very few organisations have been able to: get people talking – across communities, across social divides and even across borders.

‘We’ve trained 300 leaders to deliver programmes to Scouts that promote diversity and encourage equal opportunities. For the first time, leaders across the country have the opportunity to talk and think about each other in relation to the past and look effectively towards the future.

‘Volunteering is fun and I enjoy giving something back to help young people improve their lives. Hopefully, they shouldn’t make the same mistakes that we made.’ Watch Trevor share his story at scouts.org.uk/impact

Be part of it! There are all sorts of ways you can help improve the lives of young people in Scouting: • Volunteer one hour a week or one day a month • You can also help us through your company. at your local Group. Whichever you choose will Find out how your business can partner The make a difference. scouts.org.uk/join Scout Association, from sponsoring a badge to • Our challenge events are a great way to have fun, helping your employees volunteer. get fit and raise money. scouts.org.uk/sponsors scouts.org.uk/challengeevents

g n i r e f f o 0 0 2 r e v o ES I T I V I T AC y week. ever

National action Learning by doing means that our 400,000 young people can try an unparalleled range of activities and skills every week in Scouting. They can choose from traditional Scouting activities, including camping, canoeing and climbing. They also have the chance to develop skills that will last a lifetime and make the most of unforgettable opportunities. This year over 300 young people from across the UK had the opportunity to become the face and voice of Scouting in the media, to be interviewed on radio, in print and on TV. Providing them with the platform and skills to do this has improved

their confidence, self-esteem and employability. It also spreads the word about Scouting so more people can benefit from the Movement. Other activities help young people voice their concerns, form opinions and influence policies that affect them. Our Scouts Speak Up events at three party conferences gave 200 Scouts the opportunity to ask 35 MPs about issues important to them.

9,200 14-18 year old Scouts are also Young Leaders

www.scouts.org.uk

Case study 2: Local impact Scouting is for young people and is led by them. That’s why volunteer and former Scout, Fi, set up the Hampshire Youth Council which is influencing the direction of Scouting on a County and national level.

‘There’s a lot going on in Scouting in Hampshire. We have a community of 20,000 Scouts.

over a weekend to have our say on what happens in Scouting both in the County and centrally.

‘One Sea Scout group is working with The Wildlife Trust and disability organisations to build a new accessible headquarters. Another project is bringing together Hampshire Scouts to go to Nepal to support a Scout Group there.

‘One member, Robert, won the Young Citizen of the Year Award as a result of his passion and determination to move the group forward. It’s easy to forget he is only 15.

‘I’ve gone through Scouts and Explorers in the County and now I’m a volunteer. In October 2010 I approached the County Commissioner to set up the Hampshire Youth Council to help give young people a voice. We’re a group of 54 committee members, from 13 to 21, who meet twice a year

‘It’s really inspiring to watch the young people in the group and to see them grow. I feel like I’m a lot more grown-up now too.’ Watch Fi share her story at scouts.org.uk/impact

G N I WORK HER TOGET . TO GROW

Helen

National action We’ve hit upon a successful formula. Fundraising on a national scale + local support from Scouting volunteers = growing Scouting at a local level. The Development Grants Board funds local volunteers’ projects which grow and develop Scouting. Volunteers can apply for money for equipment, training and making buildings more accessible for people with special needs. We also provide around 300 start-up grants each year for new groups, many in socially-deprived areas, through funding from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity.

The system means local people have the ability to solve problems they have identified. And that means more people can benefit from the positive experience that Scouting provides. To sustain this work, we’ve put together a five-year plan to create new income by focusing on fundraising through charity challenge events and alumni activities. We will also continue to develop relationships with trusts and foundations.

300

the number of grants we gave to local groups

www.scouts.org.uk

Case study 3: Local impact Volunteer Helen has become a key player in a project designed to bring Scouting to rural communities. ‘Three years ago, in rural Northumberland, we were unable to provide Scouting for all the young people who wanted to take part.

Sarah

‘A lot of children were applying to join but there weren’t sufficient local groups or leaders to run them. Our County Team realised that something needed to change and so helped us put together a team to take Scouting to the smaller villages and towns of Northumberland. Led by our Local Development Officer, Andrew Teasdale, we used funds from the Development Grants Board and north-east trusts to find volunteers and set up groups within the rural areas. ‘We called our initiative Project Lindisfarne. Instead of asking young people to come to us in

the nearest town, which could be more than 30 miles away, we went out to the rural community. We ran Scouting as taster sessions in the local villages and as an after-school activity. ‘It worked really well. Children are now coming forward to join groups, so Scouting’s becoming more known again in the area. ‘In the last couple of years youth and adult membership in the northern part of Northumberland has increased by more than a third.’ Watch Helen share her story at scouts.org.uk/impact

BEING ACTIVE . ENS Z I T CI Mike,

Gregâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader

National action The aim of Scouting is to help develop the potential of young people, aged 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25, as individuals and members of their local, national and international communities. Our Scouts grow in confidence by trying out new skills and stretching themselves. It helps them to positively contribute to their community, now and in the future. Through varied and progressive activities, everything from local fundraising to lobbying their MP, Scouts learn how to make choices for themselves, take responsibility for their own actions and work in groups. Many of our young members become adult volunteers, giving back to the community and

staying connected to it. We create social cohesion and happier and safer communities by encouraging people to work together. Fundamental to this is the way we involve young people in Scouting. Last year we held three Inspire events, to consult with young people on Scouting issues. And our Young Leader Scheme gives over 9,200 14-18 year olds the chance to develop leadership skills.

1.8%

more young people and adults are benefiting from Scouting today

www.scouts.org.uk

Case study 4: Local impact Greg from Wales is one of many Scouts who exemplifies Scouting’s ethos, by helping to improve the lives of people in his community. ‘When my Explorer Unit first started visiting a local retirement home once a fortnight to help the residents use computers and get online we encountered lots of technophobia.

Greg

‘Many of the older people were almost afraid of computers. We set up Go On Adopt to help older people learn how to use the internet to connect with others. It’s all about digital inclusion.

‘I’ve learnt a new skill: teaching. It’s great to have the knowledge that you’ve actually gone out and helped someone so they’re not so isolated. ‘The residents are less afraid of computers and the internet now. The technophobia has been replaced by a desire to learn and understand.’ Watch Greg share his story at www.scouts.org.uk/impact

‘There was one person who really wanted to get into contact with her family. Now she’s talking to them over Skype; she can speak to them whenever she likes.

G N I REAS INC H YOUTADULT AND BERSHIP. MEM Dylan

National action More adults and young people want to join Scouting. We think that’s fantastic. But there are still 34,000 young people waiting to join. That’s why our priority is to recruit enough volunteers to reduce our waiting list, and keep them, to ensure Scouting thrives. Their support, enthusiasm and commitment is vital.

This year almost 60 per cent of all Scouting Districts grew in membership. More girls than ever are joining the adventure. Currently, over 66,000 girls and young women are enjoying Scouting – a rise of over seven per cent from 2010.

Our volunteers get as much out of Scouting as our young people do. Our award-winning training scheme means that sometimes they get a new job as well. Today we support and train over 100,000 volunteers to deliver Scouting.

We want to increase youth membership overall by at least three per cent. To do this, we will focus on recruiting former youth members and parents to increase the overall number of adult volunteers in Scout Groups by at least five per cent.

more girls and young women are now Scouts

www.scouts.org.uk

Paula

Case study 5: Local impact Scouting is accessible to all. Our start-up grants help establish new groups in socially-deprived areas. Paula, a parent, whose son attends a Beaver Colony in Scotland, is now a regular Scouting volunteer. ‘Raploch, near Stirling, is one of the most deprived areas in Scotland. It has a bad reputation. ‘I was one of a group of parents who felt that the values of Scouting could really make an impact in the area and a difference to the lives of the children who live here. ‘On the first night the Beaver Colony ran, I dropped off my son, Dylan, and waited outside in the car as there was no point driving home and back again. I could hear all the fun that was taking place inside so I began helping out.

‘A year on, and I’m now a section assistant. ‘I think what makes a difference, and what I love, is the effect the group is having on the children. You can just see it on their faces. ‘At Beavers, these children can be children. They can just have fun.’ Watch Paula share her story at www.scouts.org.uk/impact

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www.scouts.org.uk

ODY E MY B OIC MY CH S' NOTES SEXUAL LEADER G GOOD UTING TIN PROMO WITHIN SCO HEALTH

You could meet Scouts at a number of highprofile com munity events, in cluding the Ipswic hM This has re ela. sulted in a 19 per cent increase in yo people expe ung riencing Scouting in predomina ntly Muslim Gro ups.

eo, Our recruitment vid ed us be n ca which ,000 locally, received 20 hits on YouTube.

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Our new partners hip with Pets at Home me ant that thousands of Beav er and Cub Scouts could benefit from free in-store workshops and ga in their Animal Friend and Animal Carer badges.

Over 3,000 UK Scouts spent the year fundraising and preparing to spend ten days under canvas with 30,000 others from around the globe for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. Over 1,000 adults volunteered their services, from cleaning toilets to driving trucks.

Thousands of Scout s took part in our Founde râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day social media camp aign on 22 February, includ ing Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

We produced new educational material on sexual health and relationships. My Body, My Choice is designed to encourage young people to learn about relationships and sexual health with their peers and trusted adults.

PUTCA ARF SON ! IT ay

9-15M

g n i u l a V . e r u t n adve As a charity, it is our mission that Scouting remains one of the most affordable activities available to all of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young people. We also strive to ensure that every one of our members has the facilities and support to take part safely in these activities.

Our spend on charitable activities (ÂŁ18.2m)

Where our money comes from (ÂŁ23.6m)

31% 18%

23% 37% 4%

22%

29% 4%

Support and services to the Scouting Movement Youth programme and activities Adult support and training Development of Scouting

32%

Charitable activities Investment income Activities for generating funds Donations, legacies and similar income National Membership subscription

www.scouts.org.uk

James, volunteer ‘Some people are surprised to learn that I’m a Scout. They’re even more shocked when I tell them I sit on the national finance sub-committee. ‘But that’s what I love about it. Since joining Scouts, it’s helped me in loads of ways. I’ve had opportunities, from speaking about Scouting on TV, to chairing meetings and travelling abroad.

‘It’s had an enormous impact on my life, but is totally flexible. I still have time to volunteer as a Scout Leader and still get involved in campaigns because I believe that I can help to make a difference. ‘And through the skills that I have learnt from the finance sub-committee and Scouting, I’ve realised that what I really want to do is run a social enterprise company, to enable me to give something back to the community’

Our ambassadors Tom Avery, Explorer Baroness Betty Boothroyd, politician

Ian Hislop, Editor of the magazine Private Eye, broadcaster and satirist

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee and Olympic gold medallist

Justin King, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s

Chris Evans, Broadcaster and Radio DJ

Jo Whiley, Radio DJ and television presenter

Richard Harpin, Founder and Chief Executive of Homeserve

Dawud Wharnsby, Singer-songwriter, poet and performer

‘When you give young people opportunity, they can do incredible things.’ As a boy, Scouting gave me a confidence and camaraderie that is hard to find in modern life. Kids in the UK desperately need that sense of belonging and community more than ever, which is why I volunteer my time and energy. I’m so proud to be the UK Chief Scout in the world’s greatest youth movement. It is the biggest privilege I have ever had. Life is about grabbing opportunities and trying to make a difference. Scouting helps to make adventure available to everyone – whatever their background. Simple lessons: like knowing that the prizes don’t always go to the biggest, the best or the strongest – they go to those who persevere. This is what Scouting teaches people. And while Scouts are world famous for camping, there’s so much more that we do. We have badges for PR, Entrepreneurship and IT. And you might not know it but 10,000 of our Scouts also get to go abroad each year on international adventures. Just this year, Scouts have been building schools in Africa, meeting new friends in India, and trekking in Nepal.

Because of the huge demand to join up though, we have over 34,000 young people on waiting lists who can’t become Scouts because of a shortage of adult volunteers. So, if you love the outdoors and have even just two hours to spare a month, you can help us give these kids the opportunity of a lifetime. It will benefit your own life so much, trust me. You don’t need to be a camping expert or an outdoors guru – we have enough of those already! You just need to be someone with an appetite for life and a positive outlook. You’ll have a blast – I can guarantee it. Take a look at scouts.org.uk/join and you’ll find everything you need to know.

Bear Grylls, UK Chief Scout

Thanks to

Trevor, Fi, Helen, Greg, Paula, James and all our 100,000 volunteers.

Copyright ÂŠ 2011 The Scout Association Registered Charity Numbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland) Incorporated by Royal Charter. Patron: HM The Queen President: HRH Duke of Kent Founder: Robert Baden-Powell OM Chief Scout: Bear Grylls