In a ceremony at Cottingham High School, Girl Guides from East Yorkshire made history as they became the first Guides in the UK to receive White Ribbon badges, marking their organisation's commitment to preventing violence against women and girls.

The initiative, inspired by Humberside Scouts' pioneering work in 2022, saw Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers complete age-appropriate challenges focused on promoting healthy relationships, kindness, and understanding where to find support when needed.

The badges were presented in a ceremony attended by distinguished guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant Jim Dick OBE CStJ and Temporary Chief Constable of Humberside Police, Judi Heaton. Other attendees included Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison, the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Mark Collinson, the chairman of the East Riding Council, Councillor Linda Bayram, officers from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, a White Ribbon UK trustee, and various mayors and councillors from across the East Riding.

The ceremony's timing aligned with White Ribbon Day and the start of the UN's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Former High Sheriff of the East Riding, Jacky Bowes, who had pledged to campaign on this issue during her tenure, was instrumental in bringing both the Scouts and Guides into White Ribbon’s mission.

Amy Keirl, White Ribbon Champion and Trustee at White Ribbon UK said, “White Ribbon’s work with young people is really important. We often hear from teachers, parents and sport clubs about the need to support young people in navigating allyship and healthy relationships which starts with the importance of understanding kindness - it's fantastic that Girlguiding is doing this work directly with young people.”

This partnership exemplifies how youth organisations can play a vital role in promoting gender equality and fostering positive relationships from an early age. By engaging young people in these important conversations, we're helping to create a future where violence against women and girls is prevented before it begins.

The ceremony marks another milestone in White Ribbon UK's mission to prevent gender-based violence through education, awareness-raising, and the promotion of healthy relationships among young people.