Appeal launched after drop in Scout numbers across Suffolk
The Scout Association's launched an appeal for volunteers to help 'Generation Covid'.
The Scout Association has launched an appeal for volunteers to help 'Generation Covid' after recording a 28% drop in Scout membership in Suffolk during the pandemic.
The number of volunteers has also taken a hit with Suffolk seeing 300 leave the organisation in the last year.
In Suffolk, over 1700 members have left the Association in total.
The Association says it's down to disrupted family lives and the pressure of home schooling, adding that this is especially the case in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Groups across Suffolk say they're now looking to build back better and empower the Covid generation when they need it most.
The Scout Association has launched its #GoodForYou campaign today to try and recruit volunteers in the county, to help young people reconnect.
Colin Winter is the Deputy County Commissioner for Scouts in Suffolk: "Now, as the vaccine programme continues to roll out in an incredibly successful way, this is our moment to build back better for the future. That's why I'm calling for new volunteers to join us in Suffolk.
"Our future volunteers might be parents of young people already in the movement, people who remember their own days as a Scouts or those who want to better support the young in their community.
"I love a quote I heard from an inspiring young person called Jack: "It has been good to stay in contact with the rest of my Explorer group while the rest of the country has seemed so isolated.""
Since the first lockdown, Scout volunteers have provided thousands of hours of Zoom sessions.
They also raised thousands for good causes by Hiking to the Moon and Racing Round the World.
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout: "The past year has been so tough for so many. And it's also shown just how important it is for us to work together to help those in need.
"Scouts plays a fundamental role in the lives of thousands of young people and our goal is to build back our membership by welcoming thousands of new volunteers across the movement.
"As an adult volunteer you can help us continue to make an incredible contribution towards helping young people learn new skills for life. You'll gain some great new skills, new friends and be part of empowering young people to be prepared for their future."