Coronavirus: Hundreds of Scout groups face closure as social distancing hinders fundraising efforts
Social distancing rules means Scout groups are unable to fundraise through their usual means.
Thursday 29 October 2020 11:20, UK
More than 500 Scout groups in some of England's poorest towns face potential closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Scout Association said the organisations were facing "severe financial difficulty" and a "bleak" future as social distancing measures mean they are unable to fundraise through their traditional methods.
The majority of the impacted groups are in deprived inner city areas where young people "most need support", the association added.
The 1st Xscape Scout Group in Pontefract and Castleford in West Yorkshire is one of the local organisations at risk of closing down.
The community group typically would have raised extra money through jumble sales, quiz nights and car washes - but has been unable to do so because of the current COVID-19 restrictions.
Scout groups in areas including Greater London, East Sussex, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Shropshire, Birkenhead, Wolverhampton, Norfolk and Greater Manchester also face closures, according to the association.
It has now launched a major fundraising event involving a virtual race around the world.
The Race Round The World campaign challenges young Scouts to travel 172,000 miles between them in their respective local areas.
Around 7,300 Scout groups across the country have joined in with the hope of raising £300,000.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls, said: "As Scouts we always support each other - and in today's tough climate, where we all need inspiration and community, we are taking part all together in our Race Round The World.
"Scouting plays a fundamental role in the lives of thousands of young people, giving them skills and hope for the future.
"That is now more vital than ever.
"I am so proud of those doing their mile in support of those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic."
Zahra Ahlam, a former Scout from the Fourth Heston group in west London, said it is a "massive tragedy" that so many groups face closure.
"Being a Scout was a fundamental part of my childhood and it helped me become who I am today. It allowed me to do things I never thought I could do," she said.
"It gave me the confidence to independently look after my type 1 diabetes as a child without my parents' care. I am always going to be proud of being a Scout."
She added: "Yet again, an integral part of the community will get shut down, and the youth will have to face the consequences... again."