A SCOUT leader who was told he couldn’t do it, achieves his full scout leader badge with Winchester’s special education needs (SEN) scout group.

The 2nd Winchester (SEN) Scout Group awarded a ‘wood badge’ at a ceremony at Pinsent Scout Camp in Winchester

Andy Canning, who has learning difficulties, was made a full leader with Osborne Scouts on Wednesday, July 20.

Before moving to Winchester and the Osborne scout troop a few years ago, Andy was told that becoming a full leader would not be possible.

Since joining the Winchester scout group, for scouts with learning difficulties, Andy has embraced the troop’s philosophy of ‘the answer is - yes, the question is - how?’ to prove people wrong and achieve his wood badge.

The wood badge is awarded to leaders who have fulfilled their training to become a full scout leader.

He said: "It's very good because I tried to do it before, but I couldn't because they wouldn't let me have it and I wanted to prove that I could do it. The training was very hard at the beginning, but I got through it quite quickly, so I was pleased with myself."

"I started being a leader in the Scouting Association about 12 years ago and I went through the process of an adult leader. Hampshire County Scouts decided to have a meeting with one of their county team members to express their concerns of me being a leader."

The decision was then made that Andy would not be allowed to be a leader leaving him feeling disheartened and discriminated.

Andy continued: "Now, I can show that anyone with special educational needs can achieve this accolade. So I can stand up to Hampshire County Scout Team and say I've achieved this award and show you that I can be leader.

Andy’s fellow scouts were thrilled to see their friend achieve his goal.

Hampshire Chronicle: Andy Canning recieving his 'wood badge'.

David Kesby, another leader said: "Andy is one of the few adults who isn't a parent and because he is in his 20s he has a rapport with the Scouts that other leaders don't have. His deep experience in scouting is a real asset to the Troop. And he's a lot of fun. We all have a lot of fun at Osborne Scouts."

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The ceremony was part of celebrations for the group’s final evening of the summer including a traditional campfire, songs and jokes.

On presenting the award, Robin Cook the head of scouts in Winchester said: "To see Andy get his wood badge made me very happy. It's excellent to be able to support the adult volunteers who make scouting such a success in Winchester. Seeing Andy achieve his award is extra special and we laid on an extra special award ceremony for him in the wonderful setting of Pinsent campsite. There's no better place to be during a summer's evening."

Andy has moderate learning difficulties, various personal problems caused by absence of certain genes and Prader-Willi syndrome.

Osborne Scout Troop began in 2018 and has always promoted inclusion. Students from the special educational needs school, Osborne School, are prioritised for joining the scout group.

Three other leaders achieved their wood badge a few weeks ago in a ceremony during the scout’s summer camp which was held at Osborne School Fete. The scouts used the opportunity to promote the group to school visitors.

Many of the older scouts are now leaving to join a new Explorer Scout unit also aimed at learning disabilities. The programme will focus on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Consequently, spaces are open for new children to join the troop

Lisa Massy, a teacher at Osborne School, and the leader of Osborne Scout Troop said: "We are also looking for parents and any other adults who wish to volunteer as leaders with our happy scouts. Scouting doesn't happen without enough leaders."

For more on the local SEN scout group go to: www.winscouts.org/Groups/.

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