Smiley Movement logo

Act Your Age To Help Girlguiding and Children In Need

Words by Smiley Team

Girlguiding, the UK's leading charity for girls and young women, and BBC Children in Need have come together to celebrate Pudsey’s 40th year with the launch of a new fundraising challenge, ‘Act Your Age’.

Girlguiding is encouraging its nearly half a million members to take their age and do something good with it to raise important funds. To support the campaign, Girlguiding has today launched a special Pudsey badge which will join one of 100s of infamous badges coveted by its members.

On sale today, the badge has been designed to represent both charities and their mission and commitment to supporting children and young people in the UK and is available to anyone to buy to add their support.

The money raised through the partnership between BBC Children in Need and Girlguiding will be split equally between the two organisations and will go on to make a difference to young lives across the UK. 

Research shows the impact of Covid-19 is exacerbating the existing trend of declining happiness of girls across the UK. Enabling youth groups to carry on meeting virtually or face to face right now offers crucial support for many young people who are struggling.

For Girlguiding, in a time of ongoing financial impact caused by the pandemic, money raised will support the charity to continue working alongside its dedicated volunteers to support girls’ and young women’s wellbeing, build their resilience and offer fun, entertaining activities during this unprecedented time.

Girlguiding is powered by 100,000 volunteers aroudn the UK who support nearly 400,000 girls and young women. The charity provides a safe, welcoming girl-only space for girls and young women aged 5-18 years old (4-18 in Ulster) to try new things, build confidence, learn new skills, help other people and discover their passions and talents. All while making new friends and having lots of fun and adventure - whether virtually, or where Covid-19 restrictions allow, in person.

Funds raised as part of Act Your Age helps to give girls a platform to speak out on the issues important to them, train Peer Educators to talk about important topics like body confidence and mental wellbeing, support the opening of new Girlguiding units or support girls to experience their first overnight camp.

For BBC Children in Need funds raised will help to support local charities and projects in communities across the UK that are helping children and young people facing a range of disadvantages such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Girlguiding’s 100,000 volunteers will be challenged to come together to have some fun and raise money to enable more young people across the UK access to life changing activities and support in their local areas. Members are encouraged to come up with an Act Your Age fundraising activity inspired by their age, or the collective age of their family or unit.

Whether that’s a six-year-old Rainbow climbing the equivalent number of steps up to Big Ben in six hours, an eight-year-old Brownie undertaking eight minutes of sponsored keepy-uppies, or a 13-year-old unit collectively taking on a virtual half marathon. 3rd Bishopton Rainbow Sophie commented that: “I love being a Rainbow and having fun with my friends. I’m excited to have fun with mummy and help Girlguiding and Children in Need too!”

The Act Your Age challenge fundraising ideas, support, and donation information is available on the Girlguiding website. The Pudsey Badge is available to purchase from their online shop or through local Girlguiding units and will cost £1.50 with profits to be split between BBC Children in Need and Girlguiding.

Emma, 1st Bishopton Brownie unit leader said: “I can’t wait to take up our challenge. It’s great to be able to plan something fun that we can do together to help make a difference to the lives of children and young people in the UK.

“I love being a part of my community and providing a variety of opportunities for our girls. Girlguiding has also helped me develop new skills, make new friends and travel to new parts of the world.”

Emma Guthrie, Girlguiding’s Assistant Chief Guide added: “We are incredibly excited and proud to be partnering with BBC Children in Need in its milestone 40th year. This year has been challenging for everyone, especially our children and young people and it’s imperative now, more than ever that we do everything we can to ensure that they are not forgotten and have access to the support they need to thrive.”

Commenting on the partnership, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Girlguiding and encourage all Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Girlguiding’s volunteers to Act Your Age, and get fundraising. Whilst these are very uncertain times, we know that through the kindness and generosity of our supporters like Girlguiding, we can collectively help children and young people overcome challenges they might be facing and reach their full potential.”

To get involved with the Act Your Age challenge or find out more about how you can help support Girlguiding in its mission to help girls and women throughout the UK through donating or volunteering, head to their website

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

You might also like…