A NORTHOLT Scouts group visited Downing Street to celebrate the success of their award winning social action campaign to raise awareness of various social issues today.

A special reception at 11 Downing Street held in support of Scout Community Week was attended by MP Rob Wilson, the Minister for Civil Society.

The campaign, launched last year by the 12th Northolt Scout Group, attracted the involvement of more than 200,000 volunteers and aimed at raising awareness of dementia, disability, mental wellbeing, clean water access and sanitation.

Chief scout Bear Grylls was unable to attend the reception but praised all those involved with the campaign.

“We want our young people to carry this social action long into the future and I’m already super proud that so many Scouts are playing such positive roles in their local communities,” he said.

“With another two years to go, we know A Million Hands will continue to help improve thousands of lives.”

Conservative MP Mr Wilson said: “A Million Hands has been incredibly successful in mobilising young people to engage in social action.

“The Scouts are doing a brilliant job, creating opportunities for young people to have a positive impact on their community while developing vital skills for life.”

Volunteers worked almost 100,000 hours raising awareness and supporting initiatives designed to improve the lives of those affected by the social issues. 

Mr Wilson added: “We know social action can make a real difference and I want to ensure all young people regardless of their background have the opportunity to do the same.”

Earlier this month A Million Hands was awarded the 2016 Cross-Sector Partnership of the Year by the Charity Times.

Adult Scouts volunteers work more than 364 million hours each year to their local communities, but they are looking for more volunteers to help support the young people hoping to join.