Palestinian civilians are being killed as they seek food, water, and shelter at Israeli-controlled aid distribution points.
I have been horrified by Israel’s continued assault on Gaza and the mounting death toll of innocent civilians.
Now respected international agencies are warning that Israel’s blockade of aid is causing mass starvation. And the violence shows no sign of abating.
Trade unions have always stood in solidarity with people under occupation, and for peace built on human rights, equality, and international law.
It is our duty as trade unionists to call out the horrors that are happening right in front of our eyes.
Please write to your MP and ask they use their voice to recognise the state of Palestine, deliver a ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and support the journey towards peace and justice.
More than 21 months of strikes on Gaza and its people has caused untold devastation, bloodshed and suffering.
In April I visited the occupied West Bank and witnessed first-hand the human and labour rights abuses being experienced by Palestinian workers on a daily basis.
The TUC has called on the UK Government to use every diplomatic, political and economic tool available to help deliver an immediate and permanent ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and start a meaningful political peace process that respects the right to self-determination.
While we welcome this month’s joint statement from foreign ministers – urging an end to the assault and for urgent aid access – statements alone are not enough.
Words must be matched with action. And there’s no time to wait.
That’s why we are calling on the Government to take immediate action to:
Recognise the state of Palestine now
Suspend the UK-Israel trade deal
Ban imports from the illegal settlement
End all licenses for arms traded with Israel, in line with international law
Sanctions on individuals promoting and committing war crimes
Recognising the state of Palestine is not a symbolic gesture. It is a necessary and practical step towards a viable two-state solution that delivers equal rights and democracy– this is the only credible path to a just and lasting peace, ending decades of occupation, violence, and displacement.
On Monday, the UN will hold a conference in New York on the two-state solution.
This is an opportunity for our Government to agree to clear and immediate action on Palestine.
Whilst these discussions take place overseas, we must use our voices as trade unionists to call on our Government to act.
This Saturday, the largest ever indoor exhibition by Andy Goldsworthy will open to the public, taking over the National Galleries of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh.
Featuring over 200 works, the show will include major installations made in response to the iconic Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) building, as well as drawings, photographs, films, sketchbooks and archival items dating back to the mid-1970s and spanning fifty years.
Sure to be one of the most talked-about art events of the year and only to be seen in Edinburgh,. Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years opens on Saturday 26 July 2025, and is brought to you by National Galleries Scotland.
Born in England in 1956, and based in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, for the past four decades, Goldsworthy is internationally recognised for his work with natural materials such as clay, stones, reeds, branches, leaves, snow and ice.
Over fifty years, he has created a unique and highly influential body of work that speaks of our relationship with the land. In Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years the land is brought indoors, into Scotland’s capital city.
Working as a teenager on farms near Leeds in Yorkshire, where he grew up, Goldsworthy developed a passion for working with the land: harrowing the fields, bailing hay, picking out and piling stones, feeding cows and sheep.
This is where he acquired many of the skills he uses in his practice today: cutting, digging, gathering, stacking, building. Goldsworthy then studied art at Bradford and Preston, while based in Morecombe Bay.
It was there that he began making ephemeral works in the sand, recording what he made in photographs and film.
Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years has been conceived by the artist as a single immersive artwork in response to the space, materials and character of the RSA building. Occupying all of the upper rooms and most of the lower floor, the exhibition is at once beautiful and ambitious in scale.
The interrelationship of humans and the working land is a recurrent theme in Goldsworthy’s art and in the exhibition. He often presents the land as a hard, hostile and brutal place. Fences and barriers feature prominently, in the form of rusted barbed wire stretched across a room, and a massive, cracked clay wall.
As in nature, beauty and danger co-exist.
In dialogue with the oak floor, the vast 20-metre-long Oak Passage fills the largest room, with hundreds of oak branches forming a narrow path through its centre. Made from the leftovers of windfallen trees, the passage acts as a reminder that the gallery floor was once a tree, and that a building is part of nature – just as we are.
Another highlight is the floor of one large room which is entirely covered with stones left over from gravedigging – collected from over 100 graveyards in Dumfriesshire.
With this new work, Goldsworthy explores the metaphorical correlation between the body and the earth. When a body is buried, the body takes the place of the stones, and the stones take the place of the body.
At the other end of the sculpture court, in contrast, a room will contain 10,000 reeds suspended from a halo on the ceiling. They will appear to rain down from the sky and float above the gallery floor at the same time.
Red Flags was originally created for the main square in the Rockefeller Center in New York and installed there for a month in September 2020.
The fifty large canvas flags, individually stained with red earth collected from each of the fifty US states, refer equally to difference and similarity, a work, in the words of artist, ‘that talks of connection and not division.’
The colour red features in many of Goldsworthy’s works in the exhibition, referencing blood and the iron content which makes blood red – another connection between our bodies and the land.
Themes of access to the land and the right to roam have informed Goldsworthy’s work. Another new sculpture, which stretches up the impressive entrance stair at the RSA, is made of sheep fleeces marked with the colour codes of different farmers.
While Andy Goldsworthy is one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary art, his work is seldom seen in exhibitions. He has completed outdoor commissions all around the world, from the Arctic Circle to Tasmania, but the inclusion of his work in museum shows is rare.
Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years is by far the largest and most ambitious indoor exhibition of his work ever attempted. Conceived by the artist specifically for the RSA building in Edinburgh, never seen before and never to be seen again, this exhibition is set to cement Goldsworthy’s position as one of the leading artists of our time.
Andy Goldsworthy, says: “The show has come at a particular time for me. I don’t think I’ve ever had an exhibition that has paralleled the work that I’m making in the landscape here in Scotland.
“That’s because the RSA is not far from where I live, so I have been able to make work in Dumfriesshire alongside visits to the RSA, which has become connected to what I am doing outside. I couldn’t have done this exhibition anywhere else.
“Actually, describing it as an exhibition seems wrong – it is a work in its own right.”
Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotland, says: “Andy Goldsworthy is a unique artist, he has such vision, and his work is extraordinarily beautiful.
“Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years is incredibly special, bringing the land indoors, and only at the National Galleries of Scotland. I’m so excited for everyone in Edinburgh to have the opportunity to visit this wonderful exhibition this summer.”
Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years is a National Galleries Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building, opening on 26 July 2025.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is urging people to mark International Self-Care Day by thinking carefully about how they can take care of their own health and wellbeing.
Self-care is anything we do to keep ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy. It could be something as simple as taking a walk, eating healthily or spending time with friends.
International Self-Care Day is observed every year on the 24th of July to underscore the role of self-care as a “24/7” consideration in preventing illness, managing chronic conditions, improving mental health, and helping to support the NHS.
Beatrix Von Wissmann, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Self-care is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can help themselves while also supporting the NHS.
“We often view self-care as a ‘luxury’ and it’s usually the first thing to go when our life or work gets busy, demanding and challenging. However, if we don’t practice and prioritise self-care, we risk our well-being and invite burnout.
“Being active, having a healthy diet and planning ahead are all small steps that can make a huge difference.”
Here are a few simple ways to take care of yourself, and support the NHS:
Get active: Do what works for you. A gentle walk, wheel or some exercise can get you out in nature and fresh air, simple steps that are proven to lift your spirits and boost your physical health.
Eat a balanced diet: Healthy eating is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing. You can find advice here.
Find support: Our dedicated mental health app can help you recognise and manage triggers, be aware of your symptoms, and discover tips for managing your mental health and wellbeing, including sleep, breathing exercises, eating healthy food or starting a new routine.
Quit smoking: You can get support to stop smoking through the Quit Your Way service.
Get the right help when you need it: Getting the right help, from the right place, at the right time is one of the best things we can all do to look after ourselves and to help ease the pressure on the NHS. By doing this, people help us to prioritise care for the most urgent and life-threatening cases, while also being more convenient and simpler for you. Every community pharmacy in Scotland provides the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, which offers advice, support and treatment for a range of minor ailments from coughs and colds to earache and heartburn. Anyone can walk in and be seen by a qualified member of the pharmacy team, with no appointment necessary.
Get ready: Here are some common treatments and can be useful to have to hand to treat minor symptoms. If you are unsure about symptoms or have concerns or questions about taking any treatment, please speak to your local community pharmacist:
Painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets for headaches, pain or fever.
Antiseptic cream – to help clean minor cuts and abrasions.
Plasters and bandages – having a small selection to hand will help with a range of cuts and scrapes.
Antihistamines – to treat mild allergic reactions and hay fever.
Practice good hand hygiene to stop the spread of infection.
Choosing self-care where appropriate helps to support a sustainable NHS for everyone. For further information about prioritising self-care, you can download more tips here.
For urgent conditions which are not life-threatening, we would ask people to contact NHS 24 on 111. They will ensure you are referred to the most appropriate service for your condition, which could include a Minor Injuries Unit or our Virtual A&E.
Help is also available in the community, with GPs, pharmacies, dentists and opticians providing a range of services. Accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist, or optician offer a range of services.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Please remember, if you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to:
Children in police custody in Glasgow are being offered confidential support from Childline as part of a new initiative.
The project, being run by the NSPCC, the children’s charity which delivers Childline, and Police Scotland, provides children in custody with information about the support service and offers them the chance to talk confidentially to a counsellor.
Young people who find themselves in custody in Glasgow are being offered to call Childline, where experienced counsellors can give them advice and emotional support in a confidential setting. This is to help the young person through a difficult time and try to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
During the 10-week pilot period in Glasgow, 97% of the 107 young people brought into custody accepted the Childline leaflet.
The initiative was originally launched in Merseyside in September 2023, before being rolled out in Cheshire in March 2024.
Approximately 2,500 young people aged 10 to 17 and 1,000 18-year-olds in Merseyside and Cheshire have been told about the support available from Childline or seen a poster or leaflet with information about Childline.
Being taken into police custody can be a frightening experience for young people, and many of those who have contacted Childline told counsellors they felt scared and alone.
One 14-year-old told Childline*: “I’m in police custody again after arguing with my parents. It got violent, and they called the police. I’ll be released soon and I’m too scared to go home but I can’t leave my siblings there without my protection. Can you help me?”
An 18-year-old said*: “It’s not my first time in custody and one of the hard things is it reminds you how alone you are. I was meant to speak to my young person’s advisor today but missed it because I’m in here. She’s all I have, and I know she’s so close on giving up on me. I know I’m not coping and need options, but I don’t have anyone else to turn to.”
The idea for the scheme came from Deborah Rigby, a retired Merseyside police officer, who is now a supervisor at Childline in Liverpool.
Through her work she realised that many young people who came into custody would benefit from the support that Childline offered. She approached Merseyside Police, and they saw the potential in a collaboration with Childline, then they worked together to make it happen.
When a young person comes into custody, they are given the opportunity to receive emotional support, but they do not always take it because the offer has come from the police. This often results in young people being released without receiving the additional support they may need.
Assistant Chief Constable for Police Scotland Criminal Justice Services Division, Wendy Middleton said: “We welcome this initiative which has been providing additional support to young people who come into custody in Glasgow. We look forward to rolling this out nationally and ensuring that the same support is available across Scotland.
“We acknowledge that police custody can be a daunting and traumatic experience, particularly for children and young people. It is important that they can speak to someone in confidence who can listen to them and potentially help to address wider problems that they are experiencing. Childline is a valuable partner in this regard.”
Adeniyi Alade, NSPCC Scotland Helplines Service Head, who is based at the Childline call centre in Aberdeen, said:“This partnership allows us to reach young people who may feel vulnerable and need someone to talk to for advice at what might be a very difficult time. There are many reasons a young person comes to be in police custody and it’s important they are given all the support they need.
“While we are working with the police, the support we offer young people will be completely confidential. As with all calls to Childline, our support will be independent, and the police will not be made aware of it.”
During the pilot period, children and young people up to the age of 17 brought into police custody were offered a call with a Childline counsellor.
It is hoped that the initiative will be rolled out across Scotland after the NSPCC has assessed its impact in Glasgow.
The police custody centre at London Road, Glasgow, includes six cells which have been modified and decorated to improve the environment when children are detained. Cells have been painted with murals and have chalkboards, jigsaw puzzles, soft toys, books and posters to create a calming experience during a stressful time.
In addition, London Road has a separate discrete charge area with a lower height charge bar for processing children and young people, and other vulnerable detainees.
The transformation of London Road custody centre has acted as a pilot for the modernisation of several other children’s custody suites, which includes Police Scotland’s primary custody facility for Glasgow in Cathcart.
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk.
Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
What impact would a Commissioner for Older People have on Scotland? That is the question a Scottish Parliament committee is exploring as it considers proposals from Colin Smyth MSP.
The Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill aims to give people over the age of 60 a representative who would be tasked with promoting and safeguarding their rights and interests.
Colin Smyth’s Bill proposes that the Commissioner would be responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of older people’s rights, reviewing law, policy and practice as it relates to older people and undertaking research on matters relating to older people.
The proposals share some similarities with the role of the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland, which was established by the Scottish Parliament following a Committee Bill in 2003.
The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee has launched a call for views to find out what people think of the proposal. As part of its consideration, the Committee will also be reflecting on a recently published report that recommended against the creation of more commissioners.
Older people and carers are among the groups whose views the Committee would like to hear as it seeks views on the proposed Commissioner’s role and responsibilities, the age range covered by their remit and how to avoid any duplication with the work undertaken by other commissioners or public bodies.
The call for views will be open until Friday 12 September 2025. The Committee is then expected to hold public evidence sessions on the Bill towards the end of Autumn.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “Over recent decades there has been significant growth in the number of older people living in Scotland, so, in our consideration of this Bill, we’re keen to understand whether having a Commissioner could help address the needs of an aging population.
“In opening this call for views we’d like to hear what older people think of the proposals. We’re also keen to hear the views of carers, Scotland’s third sector, public bodies and anyone with an interest in the proposal.
“Whether you think that a Commissioner would be a great idea or would like to propose another way that older people might have their views considered, we’re keen to hear from you.”
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre is marking the 20th anniversary of its beloved giraffe sculpture, Dreaming Spires, with a line-up of colourful celebrations, including playful party hats, exciting giveaways and a creative community initiative.
Created in 2005 by renowned Scottish artist Helen Denerley, the towering giraffes – affectionately named Martha and Gilbert – have become more than just a striking piece of public art.
Sculpted entirely from scrap metal, they were designed to inspire imagination, spark conversation, and encourage people to look ahead and think big. Over the years, they’ve also become a beloved local landmark and a natural meeting point for friends, families, and visitors alike.
This enduring role as a gathering place has inspired OMNi’s recent brand refresh and new tagline: ‘Let’s Meet at OMNi’. As the centre undergoes a £5 million refurbishment, the giraffes remain a symbol of creativity, connection and community – values that are central to OMNi’s vision for the future.
To kick-start the celebrations, OMNi has adorned the giraffes with colourful party hats complete with playful tassels, just in time for the buzz of Edinburgh Fringe. A new information stand beside the sculpture invites visitors to learn about the giraffes’ story and their place in the city’s cultural fabric.
Eilidh Parker, OMNi Deputy Centre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate Dreaming Spires’ 20th Anniversary during this exciting time of transformation.
“As OMNi’s refurbishment gets underway, we’re full of anticipation and excitement for what’s ahead. Huge thanks to our partners at Edinburgh Zoo and Helen Denerley for making this moment memorable.
“Here’s to the next 20 years of growth, creativity and collaboration.”
From today, 23 July, OMNi will launch a 4-week social media competition with four Vue cinema tickets, four sets of Edinburgh Zoo tickets and giraffe plush toys up for grabs each week, courtesy of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity which runs the zoo.
A local primary school initiative in August will round off the celebrations with a design project co-created with Helen Denerley and RZSS.
Helen Denerley, Dreaming Spires Sculptor and Scottish Artist, said: “When I was invited to tender for a sculpture at the Omni Centre, the brief was to relate to the history of the site. I decided it would be more fun and interesting to look forward to our future and aspirations, rather than dwelling on the past.
“I always hoped that the giraffes would create their own history, and twenty years on I am delighted to see how much they have been taken to heart by locals and visitors alike.”
Continuing the momentum, OMNi has also announced a 12-month corporate partnership with the wildlife charity to support conservation efforts at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. As part of this collaboration, OMNi is adopting a resident giraffe at the Zoo – further cementing its commitment to wildlife, education, and community engagement.
Phillip Mathis, Learning Manager at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that OMNi has committed to supporting our wildlife conservation charity over the coming year.
“This partnership will not only shine a light on our mission to create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved, but also inspire young people across Edinburgh to think creatively about how they can help wildlife in their everyday lives, recognising the cultural importance of our sites.
“With the exciting design project launching later this summer, we can’t wait to see the incredible ideas local primary schools will bring to life.”
The anniversary celebrations coincide with OMNi’s transformation into a more vibrant, welcoming space. While the refurbishment is underway, OMNi and its brands remain open and fully accessible. Visitors can follow progress and updates via OMNi’s website and social media channels.
OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including Bank Holidays.
More than 180 artists featured in Scotland’s biggest contemporary art and craft market
Scotland’s biggest contemporary art and craft market is set to debut this August at Dalkeith Palace and Country Park.
With 110 stalls and over 180 artists and makers, spanning both the grounds of Dalkeith Country Park and interior of Dalkeith Palace, Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) will showcase a wide range of exciting pieces across from across Scotland.
Part of VAS’s expansion into large-scale art fairs and market events, this landmark event marks the first time VAS has ventured beyond its renowned programme of exhibitions, residencies and awards since launching over 100 years ago.
In addition to maker stalls, the event includes Inches Carr Craft Award interim show, 30×30 affordable art show, VAS graduate showcase and micro exhibitions.
Highlights include:
110 contemporary maker stalls across two floors and the grounds of Dalkeith Palace.
Craft graduate exhibition featuring current work by Rosina Payan Pecorelli (ECA), Isabel Honey Coles (ECA), Duoduo Lin (GCA), Tina Avery (GSA), Morven Aird (DJCAD), Ella Hamilton (DJCAD) and Katie Buchanan (DJCAD).
Inches Carr Craft Award Finalists exhibition featuring Felicity Bristow, Scott Smith, Erin McQuarrie, Richard Goldsworthy, Jennifer Alford, Charles Young, Lynne Hocking, Hannah Keddie and Carol Sinclair.
30x30cm affordable artwork exhibition (under £250) from 100 Visual Arts Scotland members including Jack Conkie, Laura Gressani, Yasmeen Kahn, Judith Shaylor and Genevieve Draper.
Work from across the visual art and contemporary craft spectrum including jewellery, silverware, ceramics, contemporary art, painting, printmaking, cards, sculpture, furniture, photography, homewares, stained glass and textiles.
Tavienne Bridgwater, VAS President said: “We are thrilled to bring Scotland’s biggest artist and maker market to Dalkeith Palace and Country Park next month.
“Having championed craftspeople, makers, designers and contemporary arts practitioners for more than 100 years, this event comes at an exciting time in VAS’s evolution, enabling us to showcase even more innovative work from across Scotland.”
If you are looking to escape the Edinburgh Festivals for a day, why not head to Dalkeith Palace and Country Park where you can explore and buy art, meet makers and enjoy curated exhibitions just seven miles from Edinburgh!
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has written to Steve Reed calling for a retraction of comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.
The text of Ms Martin’s letter in full:
To: Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP
From: Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin
Dear Steve,
Independent Water Commission
I am writing following the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, and to request that you retract inaccurate and misleading comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.
The Commission’s report notes that 66% of Scotland’s water bodies are of good ecological status as compared with 16.1% in England and 29.9% in Wales. Whilst we of course need to be careful how these figures are used, as they are not calculated on the same basis, it is clear that Scotland has a higher performance.
The report correctly points out that this is, in part, due to population density. However, it is also worth reflecting that much of the improvement is due to significant investment in the water industry to reduce pollution driven by Scottish Water and SEPA and efforts made by SEPA to address pollution from other sources such as agriculture.
I was therefore extremely disappointed to hear you make inaccurate and misleading comments regarding performance in Scotland and to dismiss out of hand the value of public ownership of a key asset like water.
During a Channel 4 News interview last night, when asked about public ownership, you stated:
“In any case, it is not guaranteed to work…and we know that from looking north of the border where, in Scotland, they have a nationalised water company but pollution levels in Scotland are worse than they are in England.”
Leaving aside my slight confusion at a Minister in the United Kingdom government referring to Scotland as ‘they’, I cannot understand how you could make such an inaccurate comment when the very report that you were on the programme to discuss clearly states the opposite.
Your comments sought also to undermine the idea of public ownership in the minds of voters, yet this is clearly what the people of Scotland continue to want. Indeed, it is the very fact of that public ownership and control which has allowed us to keep water bills lower for people, compared to what people with privatised water supplies in England have to pay.
While there is clearly more to do, 87% of Scotland’s entire water environment is assessed by SEPA as having a ‘high’ or ‘good’ classification for water quality – up from 82% in 2014. That is also, in part, due to water being a publicly owned asset, allowing for investment without shareholder returns or the pressure to make profits.
I am therefore asking that you acknowledge that your comments were inaccurate, that you apologise publicly for making them and seek to correct them.
The Commission’s report makes a number of recommendations which may have cross-UK impacts or opportunities which I would welcome further engagement across the four Nations.
I hope this can be done in an attitude of mutual understanding about the collective challenges we face – but also with a clear understanding of what delivers the best outcomes for the public.
Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, has launched 72 new badges offering even more amazing opportunities for girls aged 4-18 to grow in confidence, learn new skills, have fun and adventure, and to know they can do anything.
To help launch this exciting new project, broadcaster and presenter, Angellica Bell has come on board as Girlguiding ambassador. An active voice in the youth sector, the ex-CBBC presenter is dedicated to inspiring the younger generation and helping girls tackle the many challenges they face, all while having fun and adventures along the way.
Among the new badges, Rainbows (age 4-7) can giggle their way towards completing the Laughter badge; Brownies (age 7-10) might share the love for the Kindness badge; Guides (age 10-14) can creepy crawl their way closer to the Entomology badge; and Rangers (age 14-18) will be waxing lyrical about their favourite things with the Fandoms badge.
The 72 new badges were co-designed by more than 20,000 people including over 15,000 girls. Over 4,000 badge design ideas were submitted by girls and volunteers, and 11,000 girls from 753 Girlguiding units across the UK helped to test out the badge activities.
The badge activities were developed with Girlguiding’s youth panel Amplify, which is made up of 30 girls aged 12-18, and seven expert partners: The Royal Horticultural Society (Rangers – Gardening); Children’s Book Project (Guides – Bookworm); University of Reading (Rainbows – Laughter and Courage; Guides – Journalling); Wildwood Trust (Guides – Biodiversity); Bletchley Park (Codebreaking – Guides); the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (Rangers – Guiding world); and Wellbeing of Women (Rangers – My health).
The development of new, and the evolution of existing badges was a response to girls’ requests to add even more choice to the Girlguiding programme given the popularity of the first wave of overhauled badges released in 2018, with a phenomenal 1,551,087 completed across all four Girlguiding sections since then(1).
Coming on board as Girlguiding Ambassador to support the launch of the new badges, broadcaster and presenter, Angellica Bell said:“It was a real blast trying out the new badges with Girlguiding members.
“I know firsthand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun! As someone who thrives on challenges and is passionate about ensuring girls’ voices are heard, I feel extremely excited be joining Girlguiding as an ambassador.
“Girlguiding offers a safe and welcoming space for all girls, and I am so impressed by the work they do to build girls’ confidence and wellbeing, whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny.
“In a world where the voices of girls and young women are not always fairly heard, I am proud to stand alongside Girlguiding and will be using my voice to speak up for equality and to show that girls can do anything. Bring on the adventures!”
Fresh from her recent appearances presenting BBC One’s coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and as a Celebrity Big Brother housemate, Angellica will bring her adventurous, empowering, and inspiring spirit to the role of Girlguiding Ambassador.
As a trusted voice in broadcast, Angellica will help Girlguiding reach more girls by using her voice to amplify its work in making the world a more equal place for girls.
Girlguiding strives to be a place where everyone is welcome, is free to be themselves and has an equal sense of belonging – whoever they are and wherever they’re from. She will also bring her infectious high energy into supporting girls to have adventures and to break barriers by following their dreams, as she herself has.
Amanda Azeez, Girlguiding Acting CEO said:“The launch of these new badges is a huge moment for Girlguiding. They’ve been designed by girls, for girls which is so important to make sure we are staying relevant to girls’ wants and needs.
“The response from girls and volunteers during the consultation process was incredible and really inspiring. My personal favourite is the Bee rescuer badge for Rainbows – I just love it!
“There’s something for everyone among the new badges and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact these activities have on girls, building their confidence and helping them know they can do anything.”
Fatima, 18, from Girlguiding’s Amplify panel said:“I’m so excited for the launch because these badges reflect the real passions and interests’ girls have today and shows that Girlguiding is always evolving with us.
“Being part of the consultation showed that Girlguiding genuinely cares about what girls think and want. It’s empowering to know our voices help shape what guiding looks like for the future!”
Badges that have never been seen before in Girlguiding’s 115-year history include:
Interior designer: This badge will see Guides planning designing, and decorating. They will discover the skills to transform spaces and let their creativity run wild
Courage:
Rainbows will learn to find their courage and know that trying new things doesn’t have to be scary.
Food critic:
Guides will embrace their inner critic to discover which flavours and foods make their heart sing, and which aren’t their thing.
Calm spaces:
Rangers will find some inner peace and unwind. They will discover what makes them relaxed and create their own calm space.
This year, Girlguiding launched a new strategy to reach more girls where they are, building their confidence when they need it the most, so more girls will know they can do anything. Girlguiding’s programme provides girls and women with the opportunity to learn invaluable skills in the welcoming fun and supportive environment Girlguiding provides. Recent impact research found girls aged 11-18 in guiding to be on average, 28% more confident and 15% happier than UK girls.(2)
As of 20 June 2025, 1,551,087 interest badges have been completed on the new programme
We are excited to announce that The Pitt will be hosting the Brick Journeys LEGO Exhibition this August!
This captivating exhibition promises to inspire creativity and wonder, showcasing intricate LEGO creations from the talented Warren Elsmore.
We are offering special group bookings at a discounted rate for nurseries and schools.
Details of the Exhibition:
Exhibition Name: Brick Journeys
Location: The Pitt Venue
Dates: 31 July – 24 August (For the first week 31 July – 10 August we are open everyday) after this we will be open Thursday – Sundays
Special Group Rate: For every 2 children, 1 adult can enter for free. Child tickets are £4.50. If there is a group of 10 or more children, we will apply for a further discount. Please note we do also have quiet sessions.
