Young women from Girls' Brigade (GB) met Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, at a special launch event on 7 October 2012 in Birmingham to celebrate the project and share about the benefits of organisations like GB.

The money, which is ring-fenced by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), is to be used specifically to set up new groups and encourage new volunteers, so more opportunities are provided for children and young people.

GB will now appoint five development workers in areas identified by the DCLG - Manchester, Birmingham, London, Bradford and Middlesbrough - as well as a funding officer and project administrator.

Katherine Davies, 17, and Charlotte Davies, 14, from 1st Solihull GB, attended the launch event, at West Midlands Fire Service funded Safeside education facility, with GB leaders Rachel Deaville and Liz Ball.

Katherine and Charlotte said 'It was a good opportunity to show how enjoyable GB is - it's a great place to make friends.'

GB leader Liz added 'Having a development worker for Birmingham is a real answer to prayer. It's a perfect example of God's timing as we're looking to develop GB's impact further.'

Hannah Field, GB's Mission Co-ordinator, said, 'We're delighted that in providing this funding the government is recognising the valuable work that our GB volunteers and churches do. We're looking forward to seeing even more transformation in local communities.'

GB can be used as a flexible mission tool and can take on different formats such as lunch time or after school groups, breakfast clubs, cafes and multi activity programmes. For more information get in touch with Hannah Field on 01235 510425.