MV AWARDS

In partnership with Volunteer Centre Edinburgh a video has been produced to share with Scouts in the South East Region about the benefit and means of achieving the Millennium Volunteer Award. This award is available to those aged 16-25 and would be an additional 'string to the bow' of any Scout. It is achieved by volunteering either 50, 100 or 200 hours in some capacity. Since many Explorer Scouts, Network Scouts and Scout Leaders are volunteering, this means that many of our current members are eligible for receiving or working towards this award with little extra effort. We would encourage Leaders at all levels to share this information with their young people or fellow leaders aged 16-25. The video can be viewed on the Region's website here.

QUEENS SCOUT AWARD AND D of E HIKES

At a recent Regional Network Members meeting it was discussed that there are many young people who are looking to complete their Silver or Gold DofE / Queen Scout expeditions across various districts in the Region. It has been suggested that a co-ordinated approach might be helpful to see who wishes to take part in these expeditions so a practice hike can be organised in May.
 
Suitable groups and dates for expeditions to suit their individual work/ school/ university commitments could therefore be better arranged.
 
If you are interested in participating in an expedition this year, or know someone else who is please contact Jeff Sinton at  j.sinton513@btinternet.com

ADULT RECRUITMENT WORKSHOP
10th May      7.15 -9.30pm                         Valleyfield Street

Come along to a workshop on Adult Recruitment run by our Local Development Officer. The evening will include a mixture of up front input, discussion, sharing of good practice and working on real life situations. Groups can send up to 4 people along; a mixture of leaders and/or Group Executive members from each Group would be ideal. Please email development@southeastscotlandscouts.org.uk or phone the office (0131 229 3756) to book your place by 25th April. No cost involved and lots of freebies will be given out!

TRUSTEE AND OFFICE BEARER WORKSHOPS

Two workshops aimed at Group and District office bearers and trustees are being held in South East region and are run by Scottish headquarters. They will provide valuable help and support on subjects such  as finance and governance, fundraising, charity legislation, the new Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme.
Booking is through Scottish Headquarters 01383 419073 and the two events are on April 27th at the Stair Arms at Pathhead ( on the A68 south of Dalkeith) and at Valleyfield St on 19th May.
They are free of charge and begin with  a buffet tea at 6.00 pm and the workshop begins at 7.00 and will close by 9.30
It is recommended for all who serve on district or group executive committees

HOLIDAY HOMES TRUST

There is a new website for the Scout Holiday Homes Trust, rebranded as ‘ Holiday Homes Trust’ http://www.holidayhomestrust.org/ in recognition that the opportunity to experience your Everyday Adventure through this facility is open to everyone in the community and not restricted just to members of Scouting. Indeed, the Trust has been providing holidays to families and individuals for over 40 years, with over 6,000 families having enjoyed using one of its 13 sites around the UK.
 
As we are faced with challenging financial times, many people will be struggling more than ever to enjoy a much needed break away from home; whether it is those with Special Needs, single parent families, someone needing time to recuperate from illness, or a family on a low income. Whatever the circumstances, the Holiday Homes Trust is here to help and provide a welcome break.
 
Please share this new website link as widely as possible, Think also about encouraging people to undertake a collection or sponsored event to provide a donation to the Trust , enabling even more young people and families to enjoy a well deserved break.

For more details, please contact Lynda Peters, at Gilwell Park lynda.peters@scouts.org.uk or telephone 020 8433 7290.

SUPPORT SCOUTING – IN VOUCHER FORM

Sainsbury’s and Tescos have both operate schemes whereby you can gain vouchers for shopping purchases, which can be exchanged for Scouting and games equipment. The Region has been very grateful over the past few years to leaders and supporters who have collected these and sent them in to the Regional Headquarters and when collected they have provided additional games equipment for Bonaly. So when shopping at these stores over the next few months ask for the vouchers and send them to Regional Scout HQ at 15 Valleyfield St , Edinburgh EH3 9LP. Thanks to all of you!

SCOUT ASSOCIATION ALCOHOL POLICY

The attention of all leaders is drawn to the new rule in POR relating to the alcohol policy of the Association. There is also a fact sheet which is available on the Scout Association national website entitled Alcohol and Scouting. Click here to find it.

If you have now got an email address and would like to be added to the electronic mailing then please contact the office on info@southeastscotlandscouts.org.uk or phone 0131 229 3756.