We Stand Together
Throughout life we are confronted with situations, dilemmas and circumstances that can appear to send our thoughts in a spiral. Just how the weather is unpredictable, we never know just what life is going to throw at us. One thing that we can all count on is the support that we get from each other. Whether a Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Venturer Scout, Rover Scout, Leader or Adult Member we are all members of the same Scouting Family. “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what – The Fresh Quotes”.
Being a member of scouting means that we are all a part of something that is truly special in that no one is ever alone. No matter how desperate times get we always have a support network that are willing and able to support each other with no judgement or prejudice.
It is not uncommon for someone to be hesitant to reach out for help as they believe their issue or issues to be too small to bother someone else with or too big that no one will be able to help them. Nothing is too small. Nothing is too big. Being a member of such a diverse group of people such as scouting, you never will know how someone will be able to help unless you reach out to them. They could have experienced something very similar to what you are experiencing or know someone that has experienced similar. At the very least they will be able to listen to you and identify ways to help or to find someone that can help. By reaching out you never know who you can help or who could help you.
If you are in a situation where you do not feel comfortable to reach out to someone that you know, the Scout Association has Chaplain and Counselling people available who you can access by contacting Branch HQ on 3870 7000. Alternatively, there are a number of independent organisations that are more than willing to help, please see details below.
| Lifeline | Phone: 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au/ |
| Beyond Blue | Phone: 1300 224 636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ |
| Headspace | Phone: 1800 650 890 | https://www.headspace.org.au/ |
| Kids Helpline | Phone:1800 551 800 | https://kidshelpline.com.au |
Please remember, you are never alone. Pick up the phone and reach out to someone, we are all here for each other.
Chris Dunne
Branch Commissioner Venturer Scouts