I am absolutely delighted to announce that Matt Pilling has agreed to take on the role of ADC Inclusion & Development for Mersey Weaver.

As you all know, Inclusion has always been at the heart of Scouting and is one of our key values. Ever since that first camp on Brown Sea Island, Scouting has aimed to bring together young people from different backgrounds. I am extremely excited about the work and support Matt will offer to ensure that in Mersey Weaver all young people have access to Scouting no matter their ability, race, gender, economic status, religion or ethnicity.

Inclusion is also very close to Matt’s heart. Matt is actively involved with Swan UK who provide support to families with an undiagnosable syndrome through his amazing son Riley. Matt has asked me to share this very touching video so you can get to know a little bit about his family. 

Matt has been involved in Scouting all his life, he began at 1st Ince & Elton as one of their very first Beavers before joining 1st Helsby and moving onto Cestrian Explorers. In recent years Matt has been the BSL at 1st Weston & Weston Point where he has helped to create an extremely inclusive Colony. Matt has also held national roles as part of the YouShape and Adventure teams. In his professional life Matt has worked as a youth worker for a number of years and recently taken on a role with the Prince’s trust helping 16-30 year olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds into work. He recently trained as a Mental Health First Aider and he has a vast knowledge of data analysis.

In his role as ADC Inclusion & Development, Matt is keen to help every young person who wants to get into Scouting and support leaders in doing so. Matt with be working closely with Ali Wheeler our recently appointed ADC Community Impact & Development.

Matt is currently being inducted into the role but I know I can trust you all to support Matt in his new role. I would encourage you to share with him as you do with me, some of the fantastic work you do already with inclusion, ask for any help you need and reach out to introduce yourself and your teams.

Matt can be reached via matt.pilling@merseyweaverscouts.org.uk , Slack and found on Twitter @officialmatt