Women in the community

Guiding provides girls and young women with lots of opportunities to contribute to the communities in which they live.

‘As a first-generation black British female with no sisters or close extended family, the Brownies provided my first role models in both Brown Owl and the Guides who helped to facilitate our meetings. In this supportive female-only environment, I learned many life skills including social responsibility, confidence, team-working and leadership. The experience has contributed to who I am today.’
Sharon Dennis
Race in the Media Award

After a long career working in mental health in the NHS, Sharon became a Regional Director at the Royal College of Nursing. She has been a Guest Editor for annual special issues of the Nursing Standard during Black History Month for the last three years. This led to her winning the coveted Race in the Media Award in 2007. She is also a trustee of Race on the Agenda (ROTA), a London-based social policy think-tank which works towards the elimination of discrimination. ROTA also works to promote equality of opportunity and campaigns on other issues affecting black and minority ethnic communities.

Other award-winning women previously involved in Girlguiding UK include:

Celia Hammond, Pride of Britain Linda McCartney Award for Animal Welfare (animal welfare activist and founder of the Celia Hammond Animal Trust)

Samantha Block, Pride of Britain Prince's Trust Young Achiever (campaigner for children in care)