Caring Girl Guides win badges for helping the lonely
THEY can typically earn badges for skills such as playing a musical instrument, learning to cook and doing outdoor pursuits.
But in a bid to tackle one of society’s most serious problems, Girlguiding is launching a UK first – a badge to combat loneliness in old people.
Youngsters have been visiting homes for the elderly and sheltered housing centres to speak to senior citizens to earn the new award.
It is hoped the initiative introduced in Manchester will be adopted by Guides across the country.
The pilot badge started just before Christmas with events including Brownies and Rainbows in the city, putting on a play at a sheltered housing court and arranging an indoor camp fire with story-telling and craft sessions.
Former Brownie Veronica Armstrong, 67, said: ‘Me and my agegroup have the time to spend with children and we can give them a different view on life. We also have skills we can show them like sewing, learning to knit and doing gardening.’
The grandmother-of-16, from Northenden, added: ‘Plus, a lot of my friends miss their families because they don’t live near their own children – and they would really like to have that ongoing involvement with children’s projects.’
After the trial run, the badge is being rolled out across Manchester this week for all 5,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and members of The Senior Section for members up to the age of 25.
Ian Williamson, from the Manchester Health and Care Commissioning partnership, which came up with the badge idea, said: ‘We know loneliness can be devastating in both its physical and psychological effects, especially for older people.
‘If youngsters know this, they can then lead by example and raise awareness of an issue that we can all help to solve.’