Oakwood Church Leeds

Scouting – A Million Hands www.amillionhands.org.uk

Towards the end of 2015 UK Scouting mobilised its members to tackle one of four big issues. Since early 2016 the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Leaders of our 9th North Leeds Scout Group have been actively engaged in:

Improving the wellbeing and resilience of our community

The documents below trace our journey from first understanding that, just as we all have physical health, we all have feelings and mental health, to our MP Fabian Hamilton posing our Question in the House of Commons, and ultimately and article Raising Boys on page 16 of Scouting Magazine for Spring Term 2019.The article was endorsed on page 3 by Chief Scout Bear Grylls, reflecting on our continuing aim to improve the wellbeing and resilience of our community. There is a simple message:

Never be afraid to show your emotions - be open, honest and

never scared to ask for help. Be kind to yourself and kind to others

The Group Executive

Young people and adult volunteers join in Scouting because it is rewarding and fun.

Since 1932 Oakwood Church has Sponsored our Scouting activities but does not manage or subsidise them.

The Group Executive supports and governs the activities of the Scouts, Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts sections.

The Group Scout Leader (GSL) is a Scouting Manager whose responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that Scouting thrives at Oakwood Church so that an exciting and balanced programme of activities is offered to our young people.
• Recruiting and developing adult volunteers.
• Providing line management and support to Leaders.
• Managing assets such as money and equipment.

Ideally, our Group Scout Leader would be actively supported by a Group Executive comprising Parent Representatives from each of the three sections, a Treasurer, Quartermaster, meetings Secretary and other volunteers. In the continued absence of Parents or other volunteers to fill these roles, most have to be done by already overstretched Leaders.

All of our Leaders are unpaid, trained volunteers who rarely claim expenses.

Most of the £30 a term paid by parents is spent on Insurance, rent for the Hall, Training, and Equipment.

Like the Group Executive, our section Leaders always welcome offers of support from Parents and others who feel able to help in any way - for instance by sharing particular skills or experiences with our young people at a section meeting; or providing practical help with running a one-off activity or event; or more _ _

If you feel you might have some time, skill or resources to offer Scouting, however limited the extent or your commitment, please

9th North Leeds - Scout Group