Scouts launch 'A Million Hands' - The Coventry Observer

Scouts launch 'A Million Hands'

Coventry Editorial 8th Oct, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A NEW poll commisioned by the Scout Association has revealed that the UK is losing out on over 15 hours of youth volunteering each month.

The research discovered that 82 per cent of young people in the UK believe it is important for today’s youth to tackle social issues.

However, it’s been revealed that – from a survey of 1000 12-24 year olds – only 36 per cent believe they have the opportunity to make an impact, with 37 per cent participating in social action every week.

In responce to the shocking figures, the Scout Association has launched ‘A Million Hands’ – a new campaign to mobilise half a million Scouts to help inspire more youth volunteering and social action across the UK.




Almost three quarters of Scouts in the UK volunteer in their local communities every week, well above the national average.

Graham Howe, lead volunteer for Coventry Scouts, said: “Across the county and in their groups, Scouts are deciding which of the issues they will be focusing on.


“They will helped by some of the UK’s biggest charities including Mind, Alzheimer’s Society, WaterAid, Guide Dogs, The Canal & River Trust and Leonard Cheshire Disability, who are the key partners for the project.

“Over 500 Scouts in the County have registered and they will have real impact on their local community.”

From litter picking to washing cars, Scouts are encouraged to work in the community as it’s in the Scout Promise.

They’ve now identified four key issues to take action on.

These include improving the lives of those affected by dementia, improving the lives of the disabled and improving the mental wellbeing and resilience of families and ensuring everyone everywhere has access to clean water and sanitation.

Bear Grylls, UK Chief Scout, who is launching the campaign, said: “The Scout Association is pledging one million hands, to support four of the biggest social issues currently facing the UK and the wider world – but we can’t do it on our own.

“We want all young people to come and give Scouting a try and to get involved.

“This is how we can all play a vital role in shaping tomorrow’s world for the better.”

Find out more about the Scouts at www.scouts.org.uk/get-involved

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Coventry Observer.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Coventry Observer.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.