A GIRL Guide leader from Wirral has worked to make a difference among communities in Armenia.

Rachael O’Sullivan, from Wallasey, joined five other girl-guiding members for the Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD) scheme from July 25 to August 18.

During the three-week trip, the 24-year-old organised training sessions for potential new leaders across Armenia, which is in the South Caucasus region, as well as running activities for Brownie and Guide-aged girls to encourage them to sign up to their local groups.

Rachael, who works as an occupational therapist at Clatterbridge Hospital, said: “I think the best thing was probably the enthusiasm from all of the people we met and trained in Armenia – including current leaders, girls and potential new members.

“They all participated so enthusiastically in all of the sessions we facilitated, and we were also made to feel so welcome everywhere we went.”

Set up in 1991, GOLD offers young women between the ages of 18 and 30 the chance to improve their skills and make a “long-lasting positive difference” in communities as far afield as Honduras, Madagascar, Russia, South Africa and Thailand.

Rachael, who is an assistant leader with both the 3rd Wallasey Brownies and the 14th Wallasey Guides, added: “I’ve certainly gained a lot from participating in GOLD, it really has been an amazing experience.

“I’ve made lots of great friendships, it’s helped me to gain much more confidence and I’ve developed lots of skills including organisation, leadership and teamwork.

“I’m really keen to be able to give more girls the opportunity to have an international experience in guiding and to promote all of the opportunities that guiding can offer.”

For more information on GOLD and how to join Girlguiding visit www.girlguiding.org.uk