Guides putting the new promise into practice

32nd Rochdale Guides gather donations for Rochdale Foodbank

Since the Girlguiding Promise came into effect on 1 September 2013, 32nd Rochdale Guides were determined to 'be of service to their community' in some way. With the increased news coverage of families having to choose between heating and eating, and with it approaching winter, the Guides decided that it would be a great idea to gather donations for Rochdale Foodbank.

It was the suggestion of one Guide that for one meeting this term, instead of bringing the weekly subscription of £2.50, Guides would bring the equivalent in food donations. And that's what they did - and then some! The Guides were extremely proud of their efforts, and were pleased they could help their local community at a time when many people are struggling to put food on the table. A great example of community action - well done Guides!

The 32nd Rochdale Guide girl-only group are part of more than half a million girls and young women across the UK who carry out all sorts of services to their community, as well as packing in lots of fun in their weekly meetings, such as camps, holidays and adventures.

Helping in the local community is an important part of the Girlguiding Promise, recently updated to reflect girls’ views about taking positive action to improve their lives and the lives of others around them. The Rainbow Seasons badge, Brownie Environment badge, and Guides Go For It! Take Action badge are just three ways girls in guiding can learn about and get involved in community projects.

Leanne Chorlton, Leader said: "It was one Guides idea and the rest of the group thought it was brilliant. We’d been talking about serving their community and what that meant to them, and they said they wanted to take action to show that they are dedicated to helping people less fortune in the town where we live."

Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Rochdale Foodbank provides a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK. All food is donated by the public and sorted by volunteers. Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, the police and probation officers amongst others identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. This voucher is then taken to the foodbank in exchange for a food box.