Most uniformed groups have been around for generations and were set up to serve a range of purposes: to look after orphans, encourage social responsibility, tame wayward youngsters or promote Christianity.
Today, they emphasise teamwork, character building and community activities through fun and learning. Most provide life skills and a sense of pride and belonging that, they claim, young people just wouldn't get from an evening down the local youth club. And although they may be more modern, each organisation still has principles and values that leaders try to instil in young people.
While membership had been dipping at most groups, due in part to a declining birth rate, it is now either fairly static or growing - sometimes with waiting lists because of a lack of leaders. Martyn Waters, director of programmes at the Boys' Brigade, says: "Membership had been declining until five years ago but it has levelled out. But many of our groups struggle to get volunteers and some even have to close."
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