Additional Needs

Additional need is any personal condition or situation that could make it more challenging for a young person to participate fully in Scouting.

The Scouting For All pages of the UK Scouts website contains information about a wide range of additional needs.
At the time of writing this includes:

• Allergies
• Coeliac disease
• Asthma
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD
• Cerebral Palsy
• Bedwelling/incontinence
• Diabetes
• Down Syndrome
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Epilepsy
• Hearing loss
• Hyperactivity
• Juvenile Athritis
• Learning Difficulties
• Literacy Difficulties
• Migraines
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
• Stoma, Tourette's Syndrome
• Sign Loss.

Is there specific advice to support autistic young people?

Scouting attracts both autistic young people and adults. A large number of enquiries received relate to how to support Autistic individuals. There is no reason why, with the right support, autistic individuals cannot access all that Scouting has to offer.

Visit the Scouting For All Autism section of the UK Scouts website for some fantastic resources both to help you make adjustments for autistic young people and to increase your knowledge about support autistic adults and young people.

The website includes:

• National Autistic Society eLearning modules
• Scouting and autism webinars
• Supporting autistic young people to join Scouts: a guide for volunteers
• A young person's guide to Scouts (coming soon)
• Parent or carer questionnaire
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders: FAQ for Managers in Scouting

There are also pre-made visual resources and social stories which you can use.
Read about social stories and how to use them here: https://www.autism.org.uk/16261.

If you still need more support, then please do contact us.

Adults in Scouting with disabilities/differences

Most adults can volunteer with UK Scouts, providing they support the ethos of scouting and our fundamental values. If you, as an adult, have an additional need or disability which needs consideration to enable you to volunteer please speak to your local Group Scout Leader or the area District Commissioner who can help put support in place. You can also contact TBA, ACC Inclusion, Assistant County Commissioner for Inclusion who can discuss potential volunteering options and support with you.

Confidentiality and Safeguarding

It is important that information a young person shares with you regarding gender and/or sexual orientation remains confidential.

However, it is helpful to talk to the young person about whether they have told anyone else. It may be helpful to share information with others e.g. the young person's next section leader but it is important to agree with the young person when and with who any further conversations will happen and what will be shared.

Confidentiality should always be viewed in line with Scouting's Yellow Card safeguarding code of practice.

Please see further guidance on the LGBTQ+ pages of the UK Scouts website.

Pride in Derbyshire

The Scout Association is open to all young people and adults regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

The scout association has a clear Equal Opportunities Policy and both nationally and locally we attend Pride events to demonstrate our commitment to equality and inclusion and to celebrate diversity . We openly welcome LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual) member and have volunteers specialising in diversity.

Within in the Derbyshire Inclusion team, Andy Sudbury supports us with LGBTQ+ guidance and helps us organise our attendance at Pride events. In 2019 we attended both Chesterfield and Derby Pride.

How can I get involved?

If you are aged 16+, believe in diversity, want to meet new like-minded people and want to have an enjoyable, friendly and memorable day at a Derbyshire pride event then please contact TBA via the Contact Form. Younger members can also attend with their parents and families.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

I identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community - Can I volunteer?

The simple answer is definitely. Discrimination in scouting is not acceptable and we support all individuals to join us.
You may even have an insight or experience that can help young people questioning their own gender/sexuality.

My child is questioning their sexuality or identifies as LGBTQ+, will they be welcomed?

All young people are welcome in Scouting irrespective of gender or sexuality. If you feel it is appropriate to talk to your child's leader about their gender/sexuality/mental health then please arrange a time to do so and they can then ensure they are including the young person and, for example are using the correct pronoun, have considered changing arrangements at camps and so on. Derbyshire Scouts attend Pride events

How can I ensure my section is inclusive for all irrespective of gender/sexual orientation?

The below information is from the UK Scouts website.
For further details please visit: https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/4226/sexual-orientation?cat=377,378&moduleID=10

• Don't assume everyone is heterosexual. In a group of 30 young people there is a good chance that at least 1 is lesbian, gay or bisexual.
• There are a range of labels young people may use to describe their sexual orientation. For example, asexual, pansexual or questioning.
• Consider the language used within your Section. Think about the impact on Scouts who may be gay or questioning their sexual orientation. The misuse of 'gay' as a negative is common (e.g. "that's so gay"). This may lead young people to equate their feelings as something to be kept secret or wrong, which is damaging for their self-esteem, particularly if young people are just coming to terms with their sexuality. Explore this with your Group; what does the young person actually mean when they say this and what appropriate words could they use next time?
• Be vigilant for signs of homophobic bullying and language; this should not be tolerated.
• Act as a role model, or ally, regardless of your own sexual orientation, by being open and raising awareness about sexual orientation diversity. You do not need to be an expert; Leaders who are open, offer positive messages and challenge homophobia, will make a real difference in creating a more inclusive environment.

How can I support LGBTQ+ young people in my group?

If approached by a young person who is questioning their sexuality or gender or identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community then talk to them, listen to what they want to tell you about themselves and any fears they may have. Ask:

• What pronoun or name they would like to use, and when to use it (this may not be all the time)
• Whether, when and how they might like to share anything with other members in the section
• Which toilets and facilities they would like to use
• Changes to their uniform
• Where to find information or support outside of Scouting

If you would like to know more about supporting LGBTQ+ young people in Scouting, or if you are a young person or adult who would like support or guidance please see information on the Scouts UK website or contact TBA (ACC Inclusion) and we will support/signpost you to sources of support.

Mental health

As a Scout leader you are not responsible for diagnosing mental health problems or expected to be a mental health expert, but you might notice behaviours or signs that a young person in your group is struggling. If you are concerned about a young person's wellbeing, try to stay calm and have a conversation with the young person, or where appropriate their parent/carer. You can find further advice here.

Mental Health Awareness Sessions:

There are great resources on the Million Hands Website to support you running awareness sessions for every section at https://www.scouts.org.uk/about-us/help-others/community/better-mental-health-for-all/.

Need more help?

The aim of this page is to signpost you to support. In all cases, we would recommend visiting the Scouting for All Pages on the National Scout website if you have a question. Here, the Scout Association provides guidance and support on aspects of physical disabilities, behavioural challenges, additional needs, mental health support, racial/religious inclusion, gender and sexuality inclusion, as well as advice about including individuals from different cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.

If your question is not answered you can speak to the ACC Inclusion or your district inclusion support. You can also contact the Scout Info Centre to ask for advice.

Additionally, the Derbyshire Inclusion team may be able to provide:

• Support/resources for running Disability Awareness sessions for your young people.
• Training sessions/workshops - on Inclusion, Awareness and on specific areas of Inclusion, Equality and Diversity.

If you would like to talk/email for further support or advice e.g. about supporting a specific need please contact the ACC Inclusion

Information for Parents & Carers

Frequently Asked Questions

My Child has additional needs- can they come to Beavers/Cubs/Scouts?

We will certainly try our best to support your child to access scouting experiences. Many Groups in Derbyshire already have one or more young people who have needs that are in some way particular to them. Their aim is that young people are seen as individuals and that they are regarded equally as Members of the Movement, whatever their abilities. There is flexibility within Scouting and in Derbyshire we will work with parents and carers to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support the inclusion of any young people with neurodiversity, disabilities and/or additional needs.

My child is autistic- will Scouting support them?

We believe everyone, regardless of their additional needs, should be able to participate in Scouts.
With the right support, there is no reason why a young autistic person cannot fully access Scouting.

To help with this it's really important that you tell us about your child's strengths and differences/needs. When your child starts a group, the leader will find out more information from you by completing a short questionnaire which will help us get to know you and your child.

Can I come and help my child?

If you think your child needs support that only you can provide than please talk to us. We are always happy to have extra volunteers in Scouting and you will likely be welcomed by your child's group. However, Scouting also gives young people opportunities to develop skills and independence outside of their homes and schools and it may be that this is difficult if you are always present. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to supporting young people with complex needs and we will work with parents to make the best plan for your young person.

Is Scouts a religious organisation?

The Scout Association is an inclusive and values-based Movement. Membership is open to young people and adults of all faiths and beliefs, including the absence of an affirmed faith, humanists or atheists, who share our values.

Our values are integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation. A key element of the programme is spiritual development and exploring different faiths, beliefs and attitudes. There are a range of variations of the Promise (a commitment made by all members), to account for different age ranges, faith and beliefs and nationalities (including those who are stateless).

My religion means my child may not make every week or has specific dietary/prayer requirements - will this be a problem?

All beliefs and faiths are welcome at Scouts. Please explain to your child's leader what the requirements of your faith are and your leader can then make the adaptations needed where possible to support your child to get the most out of Scouting whilst not compromising on their beliefs.

My child is questioning their sexuality or identifies as LGBTQ+, will they be welcomed?

All young people are welcome in Scouting irrespective of gender or sexuality. If you feel it is appropriate to talk to your child's leader about their gender/sexuality/mental health then please arrange a time to do so and they can then ensure they are including the young person and, for example are using the correct pronoun, have considered changing arrangements at camps and so on. Derbyshire Scouts attend Pride events