ScoutsCymru is launching a new community engagement project aimed at helping more people discover the benefits of volunteering and ensuring that Scouting is accessible to a wider range of communities across Wales.
Made possible through funding from WCVA, the Opening Doors project will focus on Ceredigion, Newport and the wider Gwent area, working alongside local communities to identify and remove barriers that can prevent people from becoming volunteers.
Volunteers are the foundation of Scouting. Every week, thousands of volunteers across Wales help young people gain skills for life, develop confidence, build friendships and take part in experiences they may not otherwise have access to. However, not everyone sees volunteering as something that is open or accessible to them.
The Opening Doors project has been designed to change that.
Through community engagement, outreach activities and partnership working, the project will connect with people from communities that have traditionally been under-represented within Scouting. By listening to local voices and understanding local needs, the project will help create more inclusive and welcoming pathways into volunteering.
As part of the project, ScoutsCymru has appointed Gemma Watts as Community Engagement and Programme Officer.
Gemma brings experience from a range of youth charities and has been involved in Scouting in Glamorgan West for almost a decade. Her role will include building relationships with community groups, faith organisations, cultural organisations and local partners, while supporting volunteers to engage with new audiences and create opportunities for more people to get involved.
The project reflects ScoutsCymru’s commitment to ensuring that more young people can benefit from Scouting by creating a volunteer base that better reflects the diversity of communities across Wales.
Over the coming months, the Opening Doors project will begin engaging with communities across Ceredigion, Newport and Gwent, building relationships, sharing opportunities and helping more people discover the many ways they can contribute to Scouting.
ScoutsCymru would like to thank WCVA for its support in making the project possible.
“I’m excited to be joining ScoutsCymru at such an important time. Volunteering has the power to bring people together, strengthen communities and create life-changing opportunities for young people. Through Opening Doors, we’re looking forward to listening to communities, learning from their experiences and ensuring more people feel welcomed and supported to take their first steps into volunteering.”
