Romsey MP makes visit to Girlguiding South West offices

Joined by region ambassador Eleanor Wills, the MP for Romsey and North Southampton visited the offices as part of UK Parliament Week (UKPW), an annual event to spread the word about what Parliament is, what it does, and how people can get involved.

Those who take part receive a kit that helps them get informed about UK Parliament, take action, and make an impact on the issues they care about.

Taking place on Friday, November 10, the evening started with a game of “If I Was an MP”, where girls could tell everyone what rule they would make if they had the power to do so.

Answers included “sweets for every Rainbow” and “PE all day at school instead of lessons” as well as “free public toilets for everyone” and “every girl should have the chance to be a Rainbow or Brownie”. The girls then had time to do UKPW activities, including building Big Ben out of spaghetti and marshmallows and designing posters for change.

The girl guides play If I were an MP (Image: Girlguiding South West England)There was then a chance to ask Mrs Nokes, who is chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, questions about her role as an MP. Topics covered included anti-bullying ambassadors in schools, how there can be a wider visibility of women in politics, and why Mrs Nokes wanted to become an MP.

Reflecting on the questions, she said: “Parliament is for everyone. It matters to me that you have a range of people and experiences in Parliament”.

Former Salisbury city councillor Eleanor Wills, who also acts as the region’s “Making a Difference” ambassador, said: “There is no such thing as being too small to make a difference.” She encouraged the girls to think about the small impacts that they can make on a day-to-day basis before reminding them “Everyone has had to start small and work their way up. Be part of history, be part of the political dialogue.”

Girlguiding is the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, providing opportunities and experiences across the region.

The organisation welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, faiths and abilities.  For more information about volunteering with Girlguiding, visit girlguidingsouthwest.org.uk/join-us.