We want to be a place where everyone is welcome, is free to be themselves, and has an equal sense of belonging – whoever they are and wherever they’re from. Creating a fair and equitable environment for girls to thrive is important to us because when they’re out in the world, things aren’t always like that. Girls are limited by gender stereotypes and face barriers to accessing things they need to be safe and happy. Our units, programme and activities are a space where girls can be themselves, and where they are free to belong, explore and have fun.
We’re committed to making Girlguiding Anglia a home for all girls – whoever they are and wherever they are, and being representative of UK society. This includes people of colour, disabled people, neurodiverse people, children in care, carers, refugees and asylum seekers, older and younger people, LGBTQ+ people, parents, people at economic disadvantage, and people with a faith or belief that isn’t well represented in the guiding community.
What we've done so far
Alt text
From December 2024, we have added alt text to all of our Facebook posts to make our platform more inclusive.
Action plan
An action plan has been created to align with the Girlguiding national strategic plan
Recruited
We've recruited our Inclusion team and lead volunteer.
Promoted
We've promoted our Inclusion team through social media and newsletters.
What we're working on
Advice and support
We're continuing advice and support with new Inclusion support requests we receive.
Training
The team are attending training sessions to develop their subject knowledge.
Region projects
We are supporting several region projects.
Awareness days
We are researching and promoting awareness days on social media.
Things you might find useful
Adjustments
How we can remove barriers and include everyone. To include disabled members in our activities, we need to remove the barriers they experience.
Adjustment plans
If you have a member of your unit that you think might benefit from additional support to access your usual activities, then an adjustment plan can help.
Including disabled members
Some disabled young members can find it challenging to move to a new section, so we're flexible on the upper age range of each section.
Inspire
Inspire is a community of young women having adventures, gaining skills and making memories to last a lifetime.
Supported volunteers
You’ll be supported by an individual volunteer supporter and they’ll tailor their support to your needs. They will make adjustments during unit meetings and events that enable you to carry out your role enjoyably and safely.
Inclusive language and communication
For girls with additional needs, not being able to understand instructions can be a barrier to them feeling comfortable and having fun. Use inclusive communication methods to ensure that everyone can understand information and instructions.
Accessible guiding grants
If you're a young member or a volunteer who needs additional support to access guiding, this grant can give you financial help
Equity, diversity and inclusion
We want to be a place where everyone is welcome, is free to be themselves, and has an equal sense of belonging – whoever they are and wherever they’re from.
Need to get in touch?
Contact us for more information and advice about including all girls and volunteers in guiding by emailing hello@girlguiding-anglia.org.uk
Meet the Inclusion team
Ruby Goold
Inclusion and belonging lead volunteer
Jenny Whitcombe
Inclusion and belonging advisor
Jessica Burr
Inclusion and belonging advisor
Pippa Yeoman
Inclusion and belonging advisor
Hailey Evelyn Cocking
Inclusion and belonging adviser
Sarah Cheetham
Inclusion and belonging adviser