Andy Munns
MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire, John Glen, and Local Councillor, Eleanor Wills, joined Guiding members from South West England for a Q&A at the Region Headquarters in Salisbury on Friday 18 November.
The event, which saw girls ask John and Eleanor questions about life in politics at a national and local level, was part of UK Parliament Week, which Girlguiding South West England takes part in every year.
UK Parliament Week (UKPW) is an annual event spreading the word about what Parliament is, what it does and how people can get involved. Those that take part receive a kit that helps them get informed about UK Parliament, take action and make an impact on the issues they care about. Last year, over 1.1 million people participated in every nation and region of the UK and counties worldwide.
John and Eleanor joined 13 members, including Guides, Rangers, Young Leaders and South West Advocates, at Girlguiding South West England Region HQ in Salisbury. Members were able to ask for advice on how they can get involved in politics or in their local communities and the different routes they can take as a career, as well as what John and Eleanor are doing about specific issues such as education and their opinions on lowering the voting age. It was also a chance for members to ask the guests more personal questions, such as how they deal with online abuse and if there was ever a time they wanted to quit, and if so, advice of how they got through it.
The evening was a huge success, with the girls leaving feeling inspired and engaged! As Eleanor said: “If one attendee thinks actually politics can be for me, then job done”.
Their advice told the girls that if they wanted to get involved in their local communities and take a stand for what they believe in to “just do it”.
Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK. By giving just one or two hours a week, our volunteers help local girls and young women enjoy a wide range of exciting activities, acquire new skills and experiences – and have fun simultaneously.
The charity welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, faiths and abilities. For more information about volunteering with Girlguiding, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk
