Girlguiding-inspired experiences
Bringing the benefits of guiding to a wider range of girls where they are, in ways that suit them
We’re expanding the ways we deliver experiences to bring the joy, fun and confidence-building of guiding to more girls throughout the UK.
Some girls, parents and volunteers tell us that they feel Girlguiding isn’t a place for them, or that they think it wouldn’t fit in with their lives. We’re taking steps to change this.
We know that on average, girls in guiding are 28% more confident and 15% happier than the UK average. Positive spaces like guiding are more important than ever at a time when misogyny online, in public and in schools is making girls feel less safe and negatively impacting their confidence.
We want to bring these benefits to as many girls as possible throughout the UK, especially to groups who are less represented in guiding, like girls of colour and girls from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
To do this, we know we need to expand the ways we deliver guiding, and reach girls and volunteers in ways that suit their needs, lives and interests. That’s why we’ve been testing new Girlguiding-inspired experiences, bringing the benefits of our programme to girls outside of traditional guiding settings.
What are Girlguiding-inspired experiences?
These are girl-led experiences inspired by the core values of Girlguiding:
- Caring.
- Challenging.
- Empowering.
- Fun.
- Inclusive.
- Inspiring.
They’re co-created with girls and school staff, resulting in truly girl-led ideas.
To reach as many girls as possible, we’re bringing these experiences outside of the usual unit meetings. They could happen in places like community groups, at school, online, or in health and social care systems.
On the days I know it's on, I'm like “ooh, I definitely want to be in [school] on that day”.’ - Year 9 student taking part in a school-based pilot project
What we've done so far
- Delivered 10 innovation pilots.
- Worked with more than 1,300 girls.
- Delivered experiences in 25 schools and community settings.
- Been supported by 5 funders.
- Collaborated with 9 partners.
Bring Girlguiding-inspired experiences to your school
If you're interested in working with the Girlguiding team to bring fun, educational and confidence-building experiences to your school, please email us.
What's our goal?
The goal of a Girlguiding-inspired experience is to create a safe space for girls to be themselves, try new things, and build their confidence and leadership skills in ways that are connected to their future ambitions and interests. They allow us to bring the fun and learning of guiding to girls and volunteers from all backgrounds, meeting them where they are, in ways that make sense for their circumstances and stage of life.
These experiences are also a learning opportunity for us. They’re helping us to understand how we can become more representative of girls in the UK today, and expand our offerings to reach even more girls.
Afterwards, I would say the girls are a lot more confident. Even walking around school the girls will pull us to show us their work and talk about anything, because now they trust that we'll listen.’ - Head of PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education) in a DCMS Reach project school
Some experiences we’ve delivered so far
Guiding equality
This project helps young people build healthier relationships by creating girl-only spaces where they can openly discuss issues like consent, warning signs of abuse, and sexism. After taking part, students told us they felt motivated to challenge misogyny.
#BeeWell schools project
We worked with 3 Hampshire schools that took part in the #BeeWell wellbeing survey to support girls struggling with self-esteem, loneliness and low confidence. Together, we co-designed enrichment activities including running a school shop and fundraising for wellbeing week activities. The girls led the way from idea to delivery, and built their confidence through leadership. Read more about the #BeeWell project.
I love this project. It's a breath of fresh air to be able to do this with the girls. I have seen change in the girls that I don't think we would ever be able to get in the classroom. It’s an invaluable project that more girls should have the opportunity to do.' – Facilitator on the #BeeWell schools project
Have an idea or a useful contact?
If you have any feedback, ideas or useful contacts to share, get in touch and help us to deliver exciting, fun and confidence-building experiences to even more girls.
