The nine girls and young women from across England and Wales attended the event, along with their GB leaders and families, to celebrate the amazing things they’ve done over the past year and the role that Girls’ Brigade has played in helping build their confidence and leadership skills so that they can serve their communities and help build a better world.
Our patron, Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE, hosted the event. She expressed her passion for The Girls’ Brigade as an inclusive and welcoming space for girls and women to grow and thrive. The attendees were moved by her telling of her own story of racism and a struggle to fit in as a child until she found Girls’ Brigade.
One attendee said ‘What a privilege to hear Margaret Casely Hayford CBE, your Patron, speak of her journey and passion for inclusivity, equality and the battle against racism.’
Margaret presented each of the young people with their awards and congratulated them personally for their achievements. The youngest of the recipients presented Margaret with flowers at the close of the event.
Lucie
After coming through Girls’ Brigade as a young person and moving on to study pharmacy at university, her first job following her studies was as manager of a failing pharmacy. She faced all sorts of challenges, but the pharmacy flourished under her leadership, and she successfully got it through it’s GPhC inspection. Lucie credits Girls’ Brigade with giving her the leadership skills and the confidence to turn around the pharmacy. Her achievements have been featured in the Health Industry Leaders magazine.
Hayley
Hayley is a leader and Girls’ Brigade’s under 30’s trustee. Hayley was recognised as one of Lincolnshire’s 30 under 30’s for her work with young people in a way that builds their skills and confidence. She’s volunteers at the Girls’ Brigade’s Esther Generation Weekend, a programme that addresses hard-hitting issues like gender justice and mental health. Hayley’s commitment to these causes led her to parliament, where she was invited for International Women’s Day where she presented findings on a research project on mental health and loneliness.
Serenity
Serenity is just 5 years old and enjoys Girls’ Brigade so much that she wrote letters to her classmates explaining how much fun it is and how you get to hear more about Jesus. More girls from her school joined the group as a result of her great work in promoting Girls’ Brigade. For her great recruitment efforts, Serenity also earned her Bring a Friend badge which was also awarded to her at the event.
Steph
Steph is a leader from 8th Portsmouth who joined Girls’ Brigade around 8 years of age. At 14 she was diagnosed with ME and multiple mental heath issues. She is also registered as severely sight impaired. Girls’ Brigade kept in touch with Steph throughout and adapted to include Steph and keep her comfortable. She says that at Girls’ Brigade she’s seen as herself – a whole person. She’s not seen through the lens of her disabilities. Displaying tremendous courage and fortitude, Steph trained as a Young Leader, and her courageous leadership is an inspiration to all the other girls (and all the other leaders).
Freya
Freya was being recognised for her outstanding leadership and achievements in relation to her Queens’ Award where she decided to become a street pastor as her personal challenge. While on duty she gave practical help as well as listening with empathy to people’s stories, taking the opportunity to witness when appropriate and pray for them when invited. Freya was also involved in getting lifesaving help to a young man who had attempted suicide – something that took tremendous courage for a young person to do.
Keira
Keira is a young leader at 1st Amesbury and was recognised for outstanding courage and leadership when her group were on a day trip crewing on a tall ship. Keira not only demonstrated personal courage, but through inspirational leadership she enabled and encouraged those girls who were anxious about being in a tall ship, climbing rigging and all the things the group needed to do. Keira looked out for and inspired the other girls, to make sure everyone got involved and created memories to last a lifetime. Her kindness and support enabled others to grow and develop through the experience and that’s a precious gift that she has given others.
Hannah
Internationally, Girls’ Brigade has observer status at Commission on Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations in New York in recognition of our work on gender justice and our programme work where we build girls’ skills and confidence so that they can live life to the full and contribute to their communities. Hannah was one of ten Girls’ Brigade members from across the world who attended, advocating for the vital role that Girls’ Brigade has in developing female leaders and building their confidence. Her message has not only packed a punch in New York but has also inspired girls around the world to challenge inequality and injustice.
Jessie and Gabby
Jessie and Gabby were both recognised for their community service in volunteering at a church cafe supporting and providing a safe space for people with dementia. The group was awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) – the highest possible award for a voluntary organisation. Gabby and Jessie’s work was pivotal to achieving the award. They have also done a great deal of fundraising to support education in Kenya.
Serenity’s parents said ‘Thank you all so much for inviting Serenity & us to the presentation on Wednesday. It was such a special time and so lovely to hear too about all the other girls who are making such a difference and doing amazing things.’
Senior figures from churches and faith-based organisations such as The Salvation Army and Methodist church attended the event, along with senior figures from YOU London, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Youth United Foundation also attended the event and praised the young people on their outstanding work.
Another attendee, Julia Jamieson, Worldwide Trustee of Mothers’ Union said, ‘I felt very privileged to attend and share in the recognition of inspiring work undertaken by the girls and young women in Girls’ Brigade Their passion and commitment shone. The age range was impressive from little Serenity at 5 years old to the leaders of over 30 years of service.’
A huge thank you is owed to Forvis Mazars and their London office team who provided the venue and refreshments free of charge to enable these young people to be recognised for their work, and to Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE for her hosting the event and her ongoing support of these young people and The Girls’ Brigade.