Organisations gather for launch of Girlguiding Nottinghamshire’s community strategy
A special event in Nottingham’s Albert Hall this week saw the launch of Girlguiding Nottinghamshire’s five-year strategy to develop ways of working within the wider community.
‘We Can Work Together’ was given an enthusiastic welcome by an audience of Guide Leaders and guests from a diversity of organisations. Notts-based welfare charities, environmental groups and local authorities were all represented, including the Jigsaw Support Scheme, Bassetlaw Play Forum, Lions Clubs, Soroptomist International, the Galleries of Justice, Venture Abroad, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, the Outward Bound Association, Indigo Kids and Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS).
Girlguiding Nottinghamshire is already collaborating with local homelessness charity Framework and a presentation by Louise Darby and Andrea Carver from Framework demonstrated how this relationship is developing and benefiting both parties. The evening’s programme also featured on-stage discussions with Girlguiding Nottinghamshire members involved in community projects overseas, with the interviews conducted by Kayleigh Hunt, Guider with the Aspley-based 86th Nottingham Guide Unit.
‘We’re very proud of our position as the largest organisation for girls and young women in the county,’ said County Commissioner Kate Royse. ‘But we also feel a deep responsibility to steer our 9,000-plus members towards playing a valued – and valuable – role in the society of which they are a part. This is exemplified by our partnership with Framework and we’re already in discussion with other organisations about relationships which we hope will prove equally fruitful.’
The evening opened in dramatic style with a demonstration of West African drumming by members of the 1st Greasley Guides and Eastwood Rangers, led by community musician Milla. Music also drew proceedings to a close, with a rousing song and dance routine performed by Guides and Guide Leaders from the North Notts Gang Show. A spontaneous vote of thanks was expressed at the end by Councillor Jackie Morris of Nottingham City Council.
