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Youth Programmes and Girlguiding
19 September 2023
Lead MP
Caroline Dinenage
Gosport
Con
Responding Minister
Stuart Andrew
Tags
NHSMental Health
Word Count: 4362
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about youth programmes and girlguiding in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Minister what his Department is doing to provide more opportunities for young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to get out and do something fun and adventurous. I want to know how the Government can help Girlguiding maintain its important capacity for outdoor activities across the UK at a low cost.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's mental health, with NHS figures showing a rise of almost 50% in children seeking help for their mental health. I worry that Girlguiding's proposed closure of all five outdoor activity centres and the full shutdown of British Girlguiding Overseas will limit opportunities for girls to learn life skills and build friendships.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Highlights that Girlguiding members are worried about future generations missing out on opportunities such as those provided by Foxlease, expressing concern over a lack of consultation with young members regarding decision-making. I ask the Minister for any connection between his Department and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities regarding holiday lets in national parks. There is a fear that properties might become luxury lodges, restricting young people's access to these sites.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Lady for highlighting the importance of organisations such as Girlguiding and Scouts, which positively influence children's mental health by building self-confidence and self-worth. Discussed the need for better youth services and the impact of Girlguiding's decision to close its activity centres and cease overseas operations.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Expresses concern over the financial mismanagement at the headquarters of Girlguiding, including a failed hotel venture owing nearly £2.8 million in unpaid rent, potentially leading to the closure of training and activity centres like Foxlease. I am concerned that millions of pounds have been wasted on objectives not aligned with Girlguiding's mission, and there is a lack of internal democratic accountability. The Charity Commission should intervene to limit the damage. Foxlease was donated 101 years ago for the use of young people and not for commercial development. The response to financial issues should have been more focused on supporting existing centres rather than investing in property ventures.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Expressed disappointment over Girlguiding's lack of consultation regarding their decisions and asked for Government support in maintaining Girlguiding units on British military bases abroad.
Government Response
Stuart Andrew
Government Response
Acknowledged the importance of youth services provided by organisations like Girlguiding, highlighted that Girlguiding is an independent organisation with fiscal responsibility to secure its future. Discussed the decision to sell five activity centres and cease overseas operations due to capital investment requirements and ongoing running costs. Mentioned that £10 million from the sale will be invested in supporting the future of Girlguiding and its members. Noted the Government's commitment to ensure all young people have access to out-of-school activities by 2025 through various initiatives such as the National Youth Guarantee, investment in youth facilities, expansion of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, and support for uniformed youth organisations to recruit volunteers.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.