More than 500 Scout groups face closure due to Covid-19 pandemic
Fiona Simpson
Friday, October 30, 2020
Hundreds of Scout groups face closure due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 113-year-old organisation has said.
At least 500 troops, making up seven per cent of the institution's 7,300 groups, face closure without an urgent injection of funding, Scouts has warned.
-
Special Report: Policy - Outdoor Learning
-
Related news: Uniformed youth groups launch online resources
The central Scout Association is facing a £3m deficit due to the closure of activity centres, lost income from parent fees and sales of uniforms and badges, latest figures show.
A survey carried out by the organisation found that “while the majority [of troops] are back up and running face-to-face or online, the future of over 500 groups is bleak”.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “Even before the pandemic struck, many of our Scout groups were struggling. They’re struggling to pay their bills, buy basic equipment and attract enough volunteers. Over 500 groups, often in our most deprived areas, are now on the brink.
“If they close their doors, then a generation could miss out. They’d miss out on the friendship, the skills and the opportunities we offer. We can’t let that happen.”
The organisation has now launched a fundraising challenge aimed at making £300,000 to support struggling groups.
The #RaceAroundtheWorld challenge will see Scouts divide into four teams to seek sponsorship to travel at least a mile each to try to become the first team to complete 43,000 miles – equivalent to around the world.
The Scout’s financial situation has led to sector leaders calling on the government to prioritise a £500m Youth Investment Fund promised in the Conservative Party manifesto.
Leigh Middleton, chief executive of the National Youth Agency, said on Twitter: “Youth work, Scouts, Guides are all feeling the financial pain of Covid-19. This only leaves young people further behind and disadvantaged.
“If only there was a £500m fund for young people announced 12 months ago by the government... Where’s the Youth Investment Fund?”
Stuart Parker, Scout leader and chair of Blackburn Scouts added: “It’s desperately needed in my view. We need to rebuild youth provision and financial support is an important part of this.”
