A Girlguiding leader has been praised and recognised for her positivity and encouragement during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emma House, leader of the 1st Broadwindsor Rainbows, 1st Broadwindsor Guides and 1st West Dorset Rangers, has been given the Girlguiding Hero Award, which recognises those who have done something special.

Emma was presented with a Girlguiding Hero certificate, which said:

'You have gone above and beyond to promote Girlguiding. Your humorous posts on the Dorset Leaders Facebook group lifted the spirits of members during the pandemic. You rose to the challenge and took on the role of county, growth and retention co-ordinator whilst still continuing to post inspiring ideas on Facebook, reminding us how to promote guiding locally and instigated a regular spotlight on a unit post. You have continued to run local units within your division during lockdown, arranged girl award presentations, promoted stories in the local press and led the way for the county to take part in the Bournemouth pride parade.'

Emma said: "To receive the award, like any other in Girlguiding, you are nominated for it. I have no idea who nominated me and I feel quite humbled as there are so many other leaders who also are deserving of the award.

She works with girls aged five to 18 and said she is really proud of what she does.

Emma added: "I was a Brownie as a child but unfortunately there was not a Guide unit for me to move onto so I missed out on so many of the opportunities that guiding can bring to girls and young women.

"It's amazing how the girls can access The Young Leader Award, DofE, Queen's Guide Award, international travel, become peer educators and so much more. It doesn't just stop with the girls, us adults can gain our leaders award, camp permits and training in so many activities, such as archery and climbing and are part of a really supportive community.

"During lockdown we had Zoom meetings with other members just to catch up and have a natter, especially as so many adults were frontline workers - it's a lovely community to be part of.

"I am also the outside activities advisor for West Dorset Division and the growth and retention co-ordinator for Dorset county. Part of this role means I am always looking for new opportunities to grow guiding within the county and I am keen to support our current members where they need me."

To find out more about Girlguiding, visit girlguiding.org.uk

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