Scouts in Merseyside report record number of volunteers but waiting lists at all-time high

Scouts in Merseyside report record number of volunteers but waiting lists at all-time high

• Over 10,000 people involved in Scouting in Merseyside, including 2700 adult volunteers
• Yet waiting lists for young people at an all-time high of 700 young people
• Bear Grylls and Helen Glover call on more adults to sign up to Scouting

11 April 2017: Scouts in Merseyside have reported the highest number of adult volunteers on record in its latest annual membership figures, which were released today.

Scouting on Merseyside now has over 2700 volunteers, more than at any point in its history. With the nature of volunteering in the UK changing and more adults offering there time flexibly, more people are needed to run Scouting than ever before. This includes youth workers, as well as charity trustees and skills instructors. This year is the first time that The Scout Association has fully incorporated trustees into their total number of volunteers.

Despite such high numbers of volunteers, the waiting list for young people who want to join the Scouts in Merseyside has sky-rocketed to 700, the highest figure in Scouting’s history. Scouting continues to grow among young people, with over 200 young people joining in the 12 months up to 31 January 2017.

In total, there are now over 10000 young people involved in Scouting in Merseyside. Including adult volunteers, total membership today is up by 11%. Scouting continues to be the largest co-educational youth movement in the UK with twelve consecutive years of growth in its youth membership.

Merseyside’s Lead Volunteer, Peter Oliver, said: 

 “Our adult volunteers today seek much more flexible volunteering arrangements than in the past, so that they can fit it around their busy lives. Many adults who are signing up with the Scouts have a limited amount of time to donate to us, and so we need more volunteers as a whole in order to accommodate the continued demand for Scouting among young people.”

“I’m therefore calling on adults who want to make a difference to the lives of young people in their communities to give Scouting a go. We know that not having enough time is the main barrier to volunteering among adults, which is why we want to make it easier by offering flexibility in a range of roles from Scout group leaders to administrative and trustee positions.” 

Isabella Reevey, a Scout from 1^st Southport Scout group aged 14 said: 

_“I can honestly say that scouts has helped build up my confidence. It has developed and brought or leadership skills and qualities I didn’t even realise I had. I have gained so much from being involved in scouts whilst having so much fun at the same time’

Scout Ambassador Helen Glover said:

“Adult volunteers are the lifeblood of our movement. As a volunteer myself in my capacity as a Scout Ambassador, I recognise the vital importance of helping young people develop skills for life. I call on anyone with a little time and enthusiasm to help us. Whatever your skill, big or small, come and share it and help inspire the next generation.”

Scouting is shaped by young people in partnership with adults and we are always looking for new Volunteers to and if you want to help young people gain skills for life join the adventure at

www.scouts.org.uk/join

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