4ward, 4 self, 4 others is Girlguiding UK’s peer education project, an initiative that’s all about working ‘4wards, 4 self, 4 others’. 

4 was launched in September 2003, and is open to all Senior Section members. It was created and is run by a group of Senior Section members, who are involved in running trainings, writing training materials and planning what happens next. Since 2003 there have been over 40 Basic Trainings, ten Topic Trainings, and over 400 In4mers trained!

Peer education is about learning from each other – similar people sharing knowledge and information with one another. In the Girlguiding UK context, a peer is a person who is of the same age, or belongs to or works with the same section, or who has a similar guiding role.

There are many different ways for you to get involved with 4, depending on your experience of peer education, or the amount of time you have to give. 4 can also be counted towards many elements of your Queen’s Guide Award and Duke of Edinburgh qualifications.

Senior Section members interested in finding out more about 4 can look for taster sessions in their local area, or at Girlguiding events. These are designed to be ‘have a go’ activities!

In4mers

In4mers deliver peer education on aspects of the programme. Topics so far include Eating Disorders, Binge Drinking, The Media and many more. A Senior Section member can be an In4mer without being a Ranger, Young Leader or Leader.

To become an In4mer Senior Sections members must attend a Basic Training. These are two-day trainings with two basic topics included. Three Basic Trainings are run at a national level every year and Basic Trainings may also be run at a Country/Region or County level.

In4mers are able to gain further knowledge and update their skills by attending Topic Trainings. Topic Trainings are one-day trainings which provide background knowledge on a specific topic. Two to three different topics are offered each year.

Experienced In4mers can take part in Advanced Trainings providing them with the skills to show girls in units how to be peer educators. This could be Brownies in their Sixes, Patrol leaders in their Patrols, or Leaders in their leadership teams. To attend an Advanced Training you must have at least 18 months practical experience as an In4mer, or have delivered five sessions.

Local In4mers or In4mer groups can have a Supporter, who acts as a link with the rest of the county. They also offer guidance and support as needed. This can be anyone you want – it does not have to be someone within guiding.

All In4mers and Supporters are supported at a county level by a 4 Co-ordinator who works within the county team. 4 Co-ordinators in turn are supported by their country/region Senior Section Team.

4CaST

At a national level 4 is run by 4CaST. 4CaST is the team of 11 volunteers, made up of nine In4mers and two co-opted members from all over the UK, who run 4wards, 4self, 4others. We operate a rolling membership. In4mers who have been trained for over 12 months are eligible to nominate themselves or be nominated for 4CaST, and co-opted members are eligible to nominate or be nominated at any level of involvement.

To find out more about any level of involvement with 4, and to sign up to receive our newsletter with details of forthcoming trainings, working group opportunities and In4mer news email 4CaST@girlguiding.org.uk

Activities The following activities are designed to give you a chance to have a taster of some basic 4 activities and to discover the common peer education techniques.