{"alias":"newsItem","byline":"","standfirst":"It\u2019s been a year since we launched Squirrels across the UK. To reach even more communities, we\u2019re offering more local support.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18946/microsoftteams-image-1.png","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"Squirrels sat in the sun laughing","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027re amazed at how much Squirrels has grown. We\u2019ve opened 700 new sections (200 in underrepresented communities) supported by 2,012 brilliant adult volunteers. Thank you to everyone for supporting Squirrels so far.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re still not sure if we\u2019re reaching communities where Scouts could have the most impact. OSM data suggests that, even though we\u2019re in the right locations, we still might not be reaching lower income families and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds (see more in our Squirrels monitoring data webinar).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo, we\u2019re committing more local support.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENights away will be permitted within the \u003Ca href=\u0022/squirrels/\u0022 title=\u0022Squirrels\u0022\u003ESquirrel programme\u003C/a\u003E from 2023, and for a limited time will be offering \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5831912734c447fdb7832de339391ed4\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Grant application form\u0022\u003E\u00A3500 grant to Dreys in IMD 1-5\u003C/a\u003E and who are reaching Black, Asian and minority ethnic young people to help them in their planning and delivery of a nights away experience for Squirrels.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis decision has been \u003Ca href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk/media/18990/squirrels-and-nights-away-paper-used-for-decision-making.pdf\u0022\u003Ebacked up by a number of pilot nights away events\u003C/a\u003E that found that nights away activities were safe or beneficial for this age group. There will be no restrictions in place relating to this, but leaders should make local judgements of what type and duration of nights away is right for their group. This will be an optional activity and will not be part of the section minimum standards.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMore details and guidance will be developed to support volunteers in the planning and running of a nights away experience for this section. The January 2023 edition of \u003Ca href=\u0022/por/\u0022 title=\u0022POR Rule Book\u0022\u003EPOR\u003C/a\u003E will include this update to the Squirrels programme \u2013 making nights away permitted from that point onwards.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Permitting nights away from 2023"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAs well as this, and for a limited time, we\u2019re offering Districts who currently have a Squirrel \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EDrey\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E in them a \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5831912734c447fdb7832de339391ed4\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A3500 grant\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E. \u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThis is to help Districts recruit and train Nights Away Advisors and Nights Away Permit Holders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWe\u2019re still offering new \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EDreys\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E opening in IMD 1-5 across the UK \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ea \u003Ca href=\u0022https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5831912734c447fdb7832de339391ed4\u0022\u003E\u00A3500 start-up grant\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Providing \u00A3500 grants"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW242758056 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW242758056 BCX0\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s still \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW242758056 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW242758056 BCX0\u0022\u003Ededicated support for Cohorts\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW242758056 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW242758056 BCX0\u0022\u003E, with professional staff and volunteer coaches around to help you start Squirrels.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW242758056 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Continuing support for Cohorts"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW182405332 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW182405332 BCX0\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll keep \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW182405332 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW182405332 BCX0\u0022\u003Epartnering with early years experts\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW182405332 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW182405332 BCX0\u0022\u003E to find out what\u2019s working and what isn\u2019t for Squirrels locally. We\u2019ll change our approach as we go.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW182405332 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Partnering with early years experts"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW124556323 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW124556323 BCX0\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll work with existing \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW124556323 BCX0\u0022\u003EDreys\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW124556323 BCX0\u0022\u003E over the coming weeks to get an update on their monitoring data.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW124556323 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Monitoring data"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW258058600 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW258058600 BCX0\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll share the Squirrels success story, and our desire to do more, through our communications this week. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW258058600 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW258058600 BCX0\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll also be \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW258058600 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW258058600 BCX0\u0022\u003Edriving interest to our \u003Ca href=\u0022/news/2022/october/squirrels-appeal-inspire-a-new-generation-with-skills-for-life/\u0022 title=\u0022Squirrels appeal: Inspire a new generation with skills for life\u0022\u003Efundraising campaign\u003C/a\u003E to keep supporting this work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW258058600 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Sharing the Squirrels success story"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003EIf you\u2019re ready to start a Squirrels \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003EDrey\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E in areas you think will reach lower income families, and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a34de2c88cbd4d609bfb1fcf2b31aed5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022FieldRange SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\u0022Hyperlink\u0022\u003Ehere is how you ask your District Commissioners permission.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E If you\u2019d like an informal chat with someone in the Early Years Team about opening a Squirrel \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003EDrey\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E, please \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 href=\u0022mailto:early.years@scouts.org.uk?subject=Conversation%20around%20opening%20a%20Squirrel%20Drey\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022FieldRange SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\u0022Hyperlink\u0022\u003Edrop them an email\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW229778446 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003EAnd finally, we want to say a massive thank you to the \u003Ca href=\u0022/supporters/iwill-fund/\u0022 title=\u0022#iwill Fund\u0022\u003E#iwill Fund\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E for supporting the roll-out of the project. The #iwill Fund is made possible thanks to \u00A350 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support young people to access high quality social action opportunities.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"28 October 2022","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Inspire a new generation: Squirrels appeal","url":"/news/2022/october/squirrels-appeal-inspire-a-new-generation-with-skills-for-life/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Squirrels: all you need to know","url":"/squirrels/being-a-squirrel/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Squirrels uniform and badge placement","url":"/squirrels/squirrels-uniform-and-badge-placement/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Find out more about other news","url":"/news/","newWindow":false}],"id":50900,"nodeName":"Local support to help Squirrels reach more communities","title":"Local support to help Squirrels reach more communities","type":"newsItem","image":{"url":"/media/18946/microsoftteams-image-1.png?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dadf67f864c4b0","caption":"Squirrels sitting in the sun","type":"png","size":7978764,"width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"Squirrels sitting on the ground in the sun"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Local support to help Squirrels reach more communities","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Find out about the local support we\u0027re giving to help Squirrels reach more communities.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC81MDkwMCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/november/local-support-to-help-squirrels-reach-more-communities/"}