Katherine West, county commissioner for Girlguiding Suffolk, issues plea for volunteers to keep groups running in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Woodbridge and Wickham Market

A leading Suffolk Guides figure has issued an appeal for volunteers to get involved in supporting girls and young women across the county.

Katherine West, County Commissioner for Girlguiding Suffolk, has made the plea in an effort to keep groups open, as well as establish much-needed new ones.

The charity is looking to set up a new Guides unit in Bury St Edmunds, as well as find volunteers for groups in Ipswich, Wickham Market and Woodbridge.

At present Suffolk has 3,260 girls active across 258 different groups.

Ms West said: “We have youth groups looking for new volunteers to support them having fun and learning new things; Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK.

“They are supported and led by an amazing group of dedicated leaders leaders – in some areas of the county we really need more though, so that we can keep our groups open.

“When you become a volunteer with Girlguiding, you have an opportunity to develop your skills, boost your CV and help girls and young women thrive in your local community.”

Ms West has been involved with Girlguiding since 1984, with it being a constant presence in her life throughout school, university and after.

She became county commissioner last year.

In Bury St Edmunds, there are already two Guides units, however the Brownie unit based at All Saints Church, in Park Road, currently has 49 members, so the charity is looking to set up a new Guides for attendees to move on to eventually.

Ms West continued: “At the moment we are especially keen to find volunteers in the Whitehouse area of Ipswich, Wickham Market and Woodbridge; there is also an opportunity to join a new team who are looking to set up a Guide group (10 to 14 year olds) in Bury St Edmunds.

“The Brownie leader there at All Saints Church is doing a really good job at retaining people so there’s not enough spaces so we’re looking to create another group.

“Whitehouse Brownies (7 to 10 year olds) is being kept open by a group of volunteers from other groups so that the 25 girls can still have a meeting each week – we really need to find some new willing volunteers to ensure the long term future of this group.

“There’s a warm welcome waiting for you, support sessions and a chance to buddy up with experienced volunteers from other groups who will help you every step of the way.

Girlguiding Anglia has over 12,000 volunteers across the region, with the age group units of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers.

The two existing Guide units in Bury St Edmunds are currently at capacity.

Anyone interested in volunteering with Girlguiding Suffolk or looking for more information should contact Katherine on suffolkcommissioner@gmail.com or on 07403900090.