Teenagers from Staffordshire Young Police Cadets Service shone at a showcase for the voluntary youth sector.
A team of Cadets from the Stafford and Cannock units were on display at Staffordshire County Showground on Saturday, 8 February, for the Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services (SCVYS) Live event.
They performed a drill and handed out leaflets promoting a charity fund-raising concert by the British Police Symphony Orchestra in aid of the Cadets at Lichfield Garrick Theatre on Saturday 12 April at 7.30pm. For information visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com
The Cadet scheme was a key pledge for Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis. It aims to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship.
SCVYS Live celebrated the work of voluntary youth organisations across the county who provide positive activities for tens of thousands of youngsters every year. There were live performances and demonstrations by young people along with static displays, mini workshops and networking opportunities.
Deputy PCC Sue Arnold, who is leading the scheme on behalf of Mr Ellis, said: “The Cadets have been doing themselves, their units and their communities proud at events such as SCVYS Live.
“Less than a year since the first unit was launched, the service has made a real difference to the lives of 60 young people. I’ve heard several stories about how being a Cadet has turned around a young person’s life – giving them confidence and a sense of purpose and responsibility.
“The service is all about giving advantages to young people – some from challenging backgrounds – who through a positive and vibrant programme can learn how to become responsible citizens. This is not about youngsters from elite and advantaged backgrounds. It’s about giving young people an opportunity to build character and a sense of civic duty, no matter what their challenges, giving them leadership skills and an understanding of what it is to be a good citizen.”
The Cadets also promoted the new JustGiving scheme through which people can make donations of £2, £5, £10 or any other amount by texting ‘CDET17 £2 (or another amount)’ to 70070. Mr Ellis has stated that he will not redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the Cadets Service, so donations will help pay for uniforms, equipment and transport for the youngsters.
Cadets work towards Duke of Edinburgh bronze, silver and gold awards having a go at hiking, climbing and orienteering. In recent weeks, they have assisted officers conducting roadside checks in a crackdown on drink driving.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: “I am very proud of the young people who have joined the Staffordshire Police Cadets units in Stafford and Cannock. The dedication and commitment of those young people gives me confidence in the future.
“Every week they learn new skills and they are already making a fantastic contribution to their communities as well as gaining a real insight into our work.”
Meanwhile, businesses are being invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. Police Mutual became the inaugural Patrons after paying for uniforms for Cadets in the Stafford unit.
For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
A video of the SCYVS event can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCVU2iXUpqQ
For more details on SCYVS see http://www.staffscvys.org.uk/home.html
