Newcastle young carer nominated for outstanding volunteering to Girl Guides

An inspiring young carer from Newcastle has been nominated for her volunteering services to Girl Guides.

16-year-old Eve Keys is a Young Leader at the 37th Newcastle Brownie unit at Jesmond Parish Church, while she also cares for her mother.

Eve has been nominated by her unit leader for her dedication to her Brownie unit throughout difficult periods of her life, including during her GCSE exams and her mother’s periods of hospitalisation. 

Now, the youngster will be heading to an exciting event named Girlguiding Celebrates in London’s West End on Saturday, November 25, which will honour Girlguiding members across the UK.

Eve said: “It’s really exciting to go down to London, I’ve only ever been once before on a school trip. I’m attending Girlguiding Celebrates with my mum and we’re going to explore London a bit first. I’m so excited to get dressed up and I’m really looking forward to the event.”

The event which will take place at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square and will be hosted by BBC Radio and TV Presenter Harpz Kaur, will celebrate the work of Girl Guides and specifically the work of the amazing members who have been nominated.

Eve said of her delight to be nominated: “When I first got the email saying I’d been nominated to attend Girlguiding Celebrates, I had to pass my phone to a friend and ask her to read it, because I just couldn’t believe it! I told my favourite teacher at school, who immediately emailed the Head and Deputy Head teachers. I was just amazed.

“Girlguiding has given me so many opportunities, like learning to cook around a campfire, or getting to go on trips abroad. It means so much to me that I would be given these opportunities, and it makes you such a well-rounded person. I want all girls to get the chance to have the experiences I got through guiding.”

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Eve has been a part of Girl Guides since she was only 5-years-old, and believes it has given her important skills to help shape who she is today, as well as given her a safe space. 

Eve explained: “As a young carer for my mum, my weekly Girlguiding meetings have always been my chance to let go and be stress free. I’m a lot calmer when I get home and it sets me up for the rest of the week.

“From January to July this year, my mum was in hospital in Carlisle - about an hour and a half away from where I live. I still attended every Brownie meeting with a smile on my face. Girlguiding is my safe space, and I kept on going so that it could be a safe space for any of the girls who needed it too.”

Brownie Leader Sarah Mackie, who nominated Eve said:  “I’m absolutely thrilled that Eve has been selected for the honour of taking part in the Girlguiding Celebrates event and can’t think of anyone who is more deserving. Eve is an outstanding Young Leader and a wonderful role model to the younger girls. Eve has faced some huge challenges in the last year but has continued to give so much to the Brownies and to our unit.”

“Despite everything she has been through, she has shown up to Brownies with a smile on her face, she has organised games and activities, helped new girls prepare to make their promise, and cared for the Brownies like a big sister. The Brownies love her!"