A Moray Girlguiding boss has hailed the “vital” efforts members are making to look after the mental wellbeing of youngsters during the pandemic.
The region’s County Commissioner, Alison Williams, said the youth organisation is pulling out all the stops to ensure everyone is receiving the support they need amid reports of young people nationwide struggling with their mental health during lockdown.
Although unable to meet up in person for months this year, the groups have managed to stay in contact through video conferencing technology.
Now, some units in the north and elsewhere have returned to a mixture of face-to-face meetings and online get-togethers.
Mrs Williams added: “We know that girls are more affected by mental health issues than young boys – so we have been doing everything to keep them engaged, and support is there for their health and wellbeing.
“We were really keen to get back and I had a little girl’s mother saying to me that she was thrilled to return.
“It is great to see Girlguiding supporting our young people and volunteers in terms of mental health and wellbeing.”
In July, the region’s branch hosted a virtual “Llama fiesta” themed virtual camp that proved to be a roaring success with hundreds of girls from all over Scotland taking part by camping out in their own gardens.
The local leader added: “Zoom has been a massive thing in Girlguiding.
“Leaders and youngsters are becoming more confident as more sessions are delivered.
“It has been amazing and we engaged with nearly 300 girls when we did the Llama Fiesta themed camp.
“Since then leaders have been getting Zoom training and uptake has increased in these meetings.
“Throughout this pandemic, Zoom has really come to the fore.
“Around 11 units have managed to get free six-month Zoom memberships which has transformed their units and kept girls engaged.”
Anyone interested in joining Girlguiding can visit www.girlguiding-moray.org.uk/join-us.