This month we welcomed the new inclusion and belonging volunteers. They’ve put together this blog to introduce themselves, what they love about guiding and what they’re passionate about. If you have any queries regarding inclusion and belonging, send us an email and we will be able to connect you to the team.
Inclusion and belonging lead volunteer: Ruby Goold
My name is Ruby and I was a Brownie in the 80’s and enjoyed every minute! Now, in my 40’s I’m a Brownie leader in Norfolk and still enjoy every minute. I’m also a mentor for new volunteers completing the learning and development programme.
A fun fact about me: I absolutely love my dogs and have always had a dog or two as part of my family! I can also speak French as I lived in France for 17 years.
Passionate about: Drawing on my past and present life experiences, I’m passionate about everyone being included. I was a young carer for my elderly father and I am a strong advocate for disability rights, mental health and wellbeing. I care for my partner who has multiple sclerosis and understand the everyday challenges for people with disabilities.
Inclusion and belonging advisor: Jenny Whitcombe
I was a Brownie and then a Guide back in the 90’s. I knew I would encourage my children to try guiding when they were old enough. When my daughter joined Rainbows, I loved when it was my turn to be a parent helper, so I volunteered to help regularly. That lead to me completing my leadership training, and now I volunteer with Rainbows and Guides. I also coordinate our districts second hand uniform supply, and am extremely excited to be a part of Anglia’s inclusion team.
A fun fact about me: I love wombats! Having lived in Australia for a while, and still frequently visit, I’ve fallen in love with wombats. Every trip I try and find a way to cuddle a wombat!
Passionate about: Within inclusion I’m passionate about neurodiversity and mental health. I have a background in psychology and nursing, and have 2 neurodivergent children. I myself also have ADHD and suffer from autoimmune conditions and allergies.
Inclusion and belonging advisor: Pippa Yeoman
My name is Pippa, I’ve only been part of Girlguiding Anglia for a year, but have been involved in other youth groups since I was 18. I’m a Guide and Brownie leader and am really enjoying being part of such an amazing organisation.
A fun fact about me: I love anything Disney and my house is mainly Disney themed. I enjoy doing all sorts of crafts; in particular sewing.
Passionate about: I’ve been involved in SEN through work and enjoy creating an atmosphere which includes everyone and meet the needs of each individual. I’m a full time wheelchair user and have many disabilities and have been made to feel so welcome within the Girlguiding family. I aim help others to feel like they belong no matter their disability.
Inclusion and belonging advisor: Jessica Moule
Hi! My name is Jess and my pronouns are she/ her. I’m in my 30’s and was a Brownie, Guide and Ranger myself. Now I am a leader in training with a Brownie unit in Cambridgeshire, hoping Girlguiding can show every girl the potential they have.
A fun fact about me: My favourite thing to do is go for afternoon tea. In recent years I was diagnosed with coeliac disease, this meant I had to go back to every place I’d ever been to for afternoon tea to sample the gluten free edition!
Passionate about: I am dynamically disabled and pride myself on being able to think out of the box. I’m hoping to use my imagination and adaptability to support others. There are many things I don’t know, but I’m hoping I can learn lots in the role as I meet others through guiding. I aspire to be an ally to all.
Over the summer, Girlguiding Anglia’s international team headed to the WAGGGS centre in Sangam. International advisor Tina shares her experience on the trip.
(Photos top to bottom: after the welcome ceremony at Sangam, at the Taj Mahal, at the top of Sinhagad Fort, dressed up for the Maharastrian feast)
On the first full day that the Anglia group was at Sangam, I wore a T-shirt which declared, “Those who do not wander are lost”: because the aim of the trip was to encourage leaders not only to realise that India was not the strange and scary place they had possibly imagined, but one which was there to be explored – and to which they could consider bringing girls. The group absolutely embraced that idea, and were soon wandering both near and far, while based at the safe haven provided by Sangam.
For the first two days, I and an Australian guider friend, Rosey Donelly-Grubb, escorted the group, as we visited first MG Road (the main “new” shopping area of Pune) and Laxmi Road (in the old part of the city). We ensured they knew how to cross Indian roads (never assume traffic will be coming in the direction it should be, or that drivers will pay any heed to junctions, lights, or crossings) and how to get a rickshaw. Then they were on their own.
The group split into smaller groups of like-minded people, to visit temples, or historical sites; to stroll through gardens, or wildlife areas, or simply to wander through backstreets and alleyways, to see what was there to be seen. Most of the group opted to fly off for 5 days, to visit the Golden Triangle (of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi), and were, by then, seasoned and confident travellers around India.
The energy levels, throughout, were off-the-scale, as people shared their findings; enthused over new culinary discoveries, and showed off their purchases. By the time everyone was back at Sangam, ready to dress in their Indian finery, for the Maharastrian Feast, on the last night, it seemed hardly possible two weeks had passed – while, at the same time seeming incredible that they had packed so much in to such a short time: sightseeing; shopping; cookery classes; yoga; bird-watching; buying and tasting previously unseen fruits; eating in small, roadside cafes, and luxurious restaurants; walking through markets and bazaars.
Everyone was delighted to have been part of the experience. Those who already hold their Going Away With qualification were talking of planning trips for girls. Some of those without the qualification were planning how to work towards it!
Thank you to everyone involved.
Tina
