Guides to earn badge for visiting the elderly

Girlguides are tackling loneliness in old people with a new badge awarded for visiting the elderly.

Youngsters in Manchester have been visiting homes for pensioners and sheltered housing centres to speak to senior citizens to earn the new badge. It is hoped the initiative will be adopted by other Guides across the country. Events so far include putting on a play at a sheltered housing court and arranging an indoor camp fire with storytelling and craft sessions.

After the trial run the badge is being rolled out in Manchester this week for all 5,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and members of The Senior Section.