A CALL has gone out for people to step forward and help young people across the region who are members of the Scouting movement.

Restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic have severely hampered activities for young people across the whole of the UK, and Essex Scouts is no different, with a need to recruit 600 more volunteers into local scout groups to support the return of face-to-face Scouting.

Emma Parker, Deputy County Commissioner for Community Engagement said: "Scouting offers young people an opportunity for challenge and adventure, alongside a safe place for Members to express themselves and develop new skills for life. We believe in the values of respect, care, co-operation, belief and integrity.

"Despite the nation being in a state of lockdown for the majority of the year, Scout Leaders across Essex have strived to continue offering young people the challenge, adventure and most importantly fun, during these strange and confusing times through virtual programmes.

"Aside from a short period in early Autumn, our members have been unable to join together in face to face Scouting for over a year. We are now preparing to return to face to face Scouting and have a need to recruit adult volunteers to support the effort and recover a loss of volunteers experienced during the pandemic.

"Essex has more than15,000 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and we're asking the amazing residents of Essex to step out of their comfort zones and harness the feelings of community spirit that the pandemic has harboured to join the Scout movement!

"You may feel like you have lost many opportunities over the past year and Scouting could be a fantastic outlet to share your skills and support your local communities, delivering and supporting a creative and varied programme.

"If you have a particular interest, hobby or skill set, we would love to hear from you. Scouting offers a comprehensive training package to support new volunteers into a role, which can even lead to earning a nationally recognised certificate. There are roles for everyone with all different skill sets, you may be a finance manager, a teacher, youth worker, IT guru or a health and safety expert – all have transferrable skills ideally suited for Scouting!

"Supporting young people in their personal growth can offer a real sense of achievement; if you want to experience what Scouting can offer and what you can do for young people in your community please follow this link.