Supporting our members
Although families or schools will usually be the first port of call for many of the issues that young people face, it may be that a scout leader finds themselves needing to discuss some of these issues.
It is the responsibility of the scout leader to promote safe and responsible living and point anyone who asks for help in the direction of expert advice when necessary. They will also need to appreciate different cultural or religious sensitivities in such situations.
The Scout Association has produced a number of webpages dealing with life issues, along with a list of links to external resources.
For general advice on issues facing young people please contact Childline or its parent charity NSPCC.
These resources are useful in sharing with young people within the Scouts.
Parents
Guidance for parents or carers, and answers to their safety and safeguarding questions.
Guidance on safety and safeguardingYoung Carers
Guidance for young people who often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
Read the guidance for Young CarersYoung people and self harm
There are lots of things that could be described as self-harm. Discover the information and support organisations related to self harm.
Read more on self harmYoung person of divorced or separated parents
Guidance on helping young people deal with divorce or separation.
Read the guidance on divorce or seperationYoung people with eating disorders
Anyone can develop an eating disorder, whatever their age, gender or cultural background.
Learn more about eating disordersYoung people going through bereavement
The following guidance has been created to support you in the event of a bereavement in your group.
Read the guidance on bereavementYoung people and their mental health
Supporting young people's mental health in Scouting.
Read the support on mental healthYoung people and their sexual health
Information about sexual health and young people, and provide guidance, support and information to adults who may be approached by young people.
Learn more about sexual healthPromoting a healthy lifestyle
We know that a healthy lifestyle means something different for different people. That’s why we took a long time to work out what it means for the Scouts.
Discover more about a healthy lifestyleYoung people who are being bullied
It is the responsibility of all adults in Scouting to help develop a caring and supportive atmosphere, where bullying in any form is unacceptable.
Learn more about anti-bullying