A YOUNG woman from Stoke Lacy will be making a difference in her community after joining Action for Change, the UK’s largest girl-led advocacy network set up by Girlguiding.

Chloe Norman, 14, took part in a series of workshops at a three day event held in Leicester from October 20-22. The sessions, co-produced by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Girlguiding, gave Chloe and others the chance to develop the skills required to put a project together to really make an impact on the lives of girls and young women in their communities.

The attendees also received expert advice from campaigners including Chella Quint, Emily Kenway and Mansfields Youth Mayor, Anna Rigby, who gave inspirational talks about their experiences and successes as change makers and influencers.

The innovative Action for Change project will give hundreds of young women in guiding the skills, confidence and ongoing support they need to speak up about the issues that matter to them, enabling them to build a fairer society, play their part in changing their communities for the better and creating the largest girl-led advocacy network in the UK.

Chloe, who attends Burley Gate Guides and is a young leader with Preston Wynne Brownies wants to raise awareness of bullying online.

She said: “This issue is important to me. I hope that my project will help people to have a better understanding of the consequences of cyber-bullying and sexting, and know how to avoid becoming a victim.”

Campaigner Chella Quint said: “It’s been really special working with the Action for Change Project. Their recognition of my campaigning has encouraged me to reach out as a role model to members of Girlguiding and share ways they can challenge menstrual taboos. Campaigning for #periodpositive is all about changing the conversation around menstruation and challenging taboos using humour, craftivism, ad-busting and period positivity.

“I want young people to know that activism can be fun - if people are laughing, they’re learning.”

A spokesperson for the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation added: “We are excited to support Girlguiding’s Action for Change project, which will empower hundreds of girls and young women to take action on the social issues that matter to them. It will ensure that young women’s voices are heard, and are able to contribute to a more just and inclusive society in the UK.”

For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding, the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, visit girlguiding.org.uk