Across Hampshire we're at the heart of more than 100 communities, delivering skills for life to thousands of young people. But our impact is much wider than just our young people and our 6,000 adult volunteers.

In the past year along, Scouts in Hampshire have spread the love for our local care homes by showing them we care and made meals to feed families during half term. Our young people have raised a smile for their neighbours and our volunteers stepped up to serve our communities.

Now volunteers are sharing our story with community groups like Rotary and Probus whose members remember fondly of their days as Scouts and want to be brought up to date with what we're doing.

Volunteer Steven, who has led one of these talks to Alresford Probus, described the talk as:

Lots of people in our communities have fond experiences of being a Scout in their youth and the skills they learned. But what they know of us isn't the full story these days. It's been great to tell them our stories, how we've gone from humble beginnings to where we are now; serving our community, giving young people a voice and growing to include more people.

Steven Osborn, Volunteer.

As well as covering the story of Scouts so far, he also looked at our plan for the future, the challenges we face in light of the pandemic and how we're rising to the opportunity.

The talks have been a big success with the understanding and appreciation of those listening for what we do today greatly improved. Reaction has been positive and they've been more likely to recommend others helping us.

[It was] very professional, clear and interesting, and [they] answered questions well. We could not have asked for better.

Glenn Gilbertson, Alresford Probus.

Want to invite us to your community group? Let us know at [email protected].

Can you help us rise to the challenge of the future? Volunteer today and see what vacancies we're looking to fill.

This article was written by Hampshire Scouts, to view this article click here.