Uniformed youth groups: Promoting Skills and Resilience in Young People

Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee Excerpts

Monday 26th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I have absolutely no idea. I am not going to come up with a fudged answer, but I will write to my noble friend to outline whether or not that is the case.

[Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, as a former Brownie, Guide and Guide leader, I absolutely agree with all that has been said about the worth of belonging to uniformed organisations, particularly in relation to self-esteem for our young people and the resilience that is built up. I visited my local Guide unit two weeks ago during Parliament Week, and I was very concerned to learn that a number of units have closed recently because of the lack of volunteers. Is there more that the Government can do to help with the lack of volunteers? I am working with the devolved Administrations to help highlight that.

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The noble Baroness makes a valuable point, as previous speakers have done, in relation to the vital role of volunteers. You cannot have these uniformed youth groups without volunteers. Most of the funding that is outlined within the national youth strategy is focused on England, but I will take back the noble Baroness’s points, because it is a national organisation. I thank her and everyone else in your Lordships’ House who have contributed through volunteering for these groups.