Are you aged between 13 and 17 and live in East Staffordshire? If so, the Staffordshire Police Cadets would love to hear from you.
The East Staffordshire unit of the Staffordshire Police Cadet Programme is currently recruiting young people to join the new unit with the support of the Burton Albion Community Trust.
The Staffordshire Police Cadets, established by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis, regularly take part in lots of different activities in the community and learn more about what it’s like to work for Staffordshire Police. This could mean helping at local events, giving out safety advice or helping to find out about local concerns. There are currently units in Stafford, Cannock, Burslem, Tamworth, Longton and Codsall with more planned for the future.
The Police Cadets work towards several nationally recognised qualifications including team-working and citizenship. Many of the Cadets have found that through the scheme they are becoming not only more confident and outgoing, but that they are also benefiting both socially and academically, all while helping to build links between the police and young people.
Codsall Police Cadet Nehad Syed said: “Being a cadet means a lot to me. By being a cadet I have learnt skills and built my confidence and communication skills. Also being a cadet has given me a lot of opportunities such as being part of the Wombourne fair parade and showing off our parading skills to the public. Overall after joining the cadets I feel like I’ve been guided to follow the right path by being disciplined and taught how to be a good citizen.”
Seventeen year-old Police Cadet Natasha Bourne, from the Burslem unit, said: “I feel very honoured to represent the Staffordshire Police Cadets at local events and fetes.
“I really enjoy attending events where I can offer my assistance and engage with members of the public.”
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold said “This is a great opportunity for young people to develop social and leadership skills as well as helping to build their self-esteem, motivation and confidence.
“The Cadet scheme has had a positive influence on the lives of many young people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and is all about giving advantages to young people through allowing them to gain life skills such as responsibility and discipline.”
Businesses are 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.
If you are interested in joining and are aged between 13 and 17 please email: cadets@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
