Volunteer with us

Working with the girls and young women

Whether it's an hour or two every few months or a regular weekly commitment, there are lots of ways to volunteer and help Girlguiding Cornwall inspire girls in Cornwall today. 

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"People often ask me why I volunteer for Girlguiding, but here I am in the beautiful New Forest, with six of our Guides and Rangers at a Girlguiding Festival! The girls are having the time of their lives, making new friends, learning new skills, developing their independence and resilience, and making memories they will never forget. The smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they didn't think they could, and seeing them reach out to fulfil their potential, that's why I do it - and I love every minute of it!" Michelle, Guider with 1st Mullion Guides and 1st Lizard Peninsula Rangers.

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Our volunteers are experts

Whether they've been involved in guiding for years, or they're new to volunteering, leaders undertake regular training in everything from first aid and child safety, to running activities and planning trips away.

Each unit is required to have a leader who is a qualified first aider. In addition, our leaders work closely to Girlguiding's safeguarding policy to ensure they offer a secure environment in which girls can grow and develop. We take the safety of our young members very seriously.

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Unit Leaders and Assistant Leaders

Whichever age group you choose to work with the Unit will be run by a leadership team of adults, all of whom will have been DBS checked.  At least one of the adults will have completed the Girlguiding UK Leadership Qualification which is a practical training scheme.  The Unit Leader has overall responsibility for the Unit, and will ensure that the administration of the Unit runs smoothly and that records and finance are kept up to date, though these tasks may be delegated to others.

The Unit team will also help the girls to plan the activities they’d like to do and ensure that these run smoothly and safely – having fun themselves in the process!

Unit Leaders are female. If you decide to become a Leader, you will be assigned a Mentor to help you complete your qualification, and an experienced local support network is there to help.

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Unit Helpers and occasional helpers

For those who don't wish to commit to becoming a Leader but do want to work in the unit with girls and young women, the role of a Unit Helper is perfect. Helpers are vital to guiding.

Unit Helpers can be either male or female. Occasional helpers can be any age from 18 upwards. How often helpers work with units varies and is up to the individual.

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Support roles

If you’d like to be involved in Guiding but you’re not sure that you have the time to commit regularly, there are plenty of important jobs that can be done in your own time and from your own home. You could:

• help with unit accounts or administration

• be the driver for an away day

• help out at a guiding shop or depot

• lend a hand with fundraising

• help out with DIY

• take part in a one-off session with your local unit, teaching the girls skills such as crafts, pilates or gardening to help them acquire a badge.

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Guiding wouldn't be able to happen without our incredible volunteers. They're not paid for what they do - they give their time because they are passionate and care about enriching the lives of girls. They make a difference in their local communities so that girls  can try new things, have fun and speak out on issues that matter to them.

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