LIPHOOK DISTRICT GUIDES

Frequently Asked Questions For Potential Adult Volunteers

Are unsure what Guiding is about or what it stands for?

This is Girlguiding UK 's mission statement:
Guiding enables girls and young women to fulfil their potential and to take an active and responsible role in society through its distinctive, stimulating and enjoyable programme of activities delivered by trained volunteer leaders.

Are you an adult who would you like to support Guiding in Liphook but don't think you have enough spare time to get involved?

No problem. See below for a list of some of the ways you can help which means everyone can be involved to a greater or lesser degree however busy they are, and you will see that is is not necessary to make a regular time commitment...

• Come along to a Unit meeting on a one off basis to share a skill, talent or knowledge.
• Join a parent rota to help once a term.
• Help at specific events such as the carnival.
• Offer to help with DIY or decorating in our HQ
• Keep or audit Unit accounts, or help with claiming Gift Aid.
• Provide storage for equipment.
• Donate paper or craft materials, or donate money to help with special events.
• Sponsor a girl to attend pack holiday or camp.
• Offer secretarial skills or help with photocopying or word processing.
• Offer to help with cleaning and washing equipment after camps and holidays.
• Take photos at events for publicity. Use your PR skills for us.
• Help with maintaining this website
• Offer the use of a garden or field for out door cooking or other activities.
• Help with transport, especially if you have a van and could help transport Guide equipment to camp.
• Help with fundraising.
  See also Donations

Are you interested in helping in a Unit but are concerned that you do not have the right skills or knowledge or that you were not a Guide or Brownie yourself so would not know what to do?

No problem. You do not need any prior experience, and training will be given. The only requirements are that you enjoy working with young people, are enthusiastic about Guiding and its principles and willing to work as part of a team.

Are you worried that if you offer to help on a regular basis, you will be making too big a commitment and don't want to feel trapped or under pressure?

No problem. As you are a volunteer you will not be expected to do more than you feel comfortable with and you choose for yourself how much time you can give.

If you can only attend meetings once a fortnight or when your work pattern allows this can be accomodated.

Work and family commitments obviously have to take priority, so if you need a break of a term or more for any reason, this will be respected.

The wide range of opportunities to be involved means you can adapt your level of commitment to fit in with different stages of your life.

Would you love to help but feel it is not possible because you have young children?

No problem. You can bring them along with you to the Unit meetings and they will almost certainly love it. If occasionally you need to attend a District meeting or Guiding event later in the evening when your children should be in bed, and there is no-one else at home, the Unit may be able to pay for baby-sitting to enable you to attend.

Would you like to help but assume you cannot because you are male?

No problem. Although you cannot be a Guider, you can be a regular Unit Helper or come along and share your skills and talents with us on a one-off basis.

You can also support us in many other ways. We could not manage without the dads, husbands and local supporters at several events such as the carnival or at shows. How about auditing the accounts for us or being a PR Rep? Of course when it comes to moving and transporting equipment of fixing a broken door handle, men are invaluable!

Are you willing and available to help but have a disability?

No problem. Guiding is inclusive, very flexible and adaptable, and everyone is welcome and has a role to play.

Are you concerned that it will cost too much to get involved?

No problem. Being involved in Guiding will not be expensive. There is no joining fee or memebership subscription for volunteers. You will not be paid for your services but expenses on behalf of the unit or District such as training or buying craft items will be reimbursed. If you decide to go into uniform this can be bought for you. Most adults do not claim for items such as petrol to get to meetings or local events (as most hobbies have a small price), but if this is a problem you can discuss it with the District Coordinator.

Are you interested in helping, but want to know more before you speak directly to anyone about it?

No problem. Go to the GirlguidingUK Website or ring the national information line on 0800 169 5901

All adults involved in Guiding who have regular contact with children and young people are required to have a Criminal Record Bureau check which will be arranged by the local District Coordinator.