Trustees of a charity which funds the Staffordshire Police Cadets service met for the first time last week.
The Cadet scheme was initiated by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. There are active in units in Cannock and Stafford and a third unit will soon start meeting at Sandyford Community Fire Station in Stoke-on-Trent.
Mr Ellis has vowed not to redirect money from frontline policing to pay for the service which is instead funded through the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund, a registered charity.
The Fund’s board of trustees met for the first time last Wednesday, 26 March, to discuss the scheme’s progress and development.
Deputy PCC Sue Arnold, the board’s Chair, said: “In the past year the Cadets service has made a real difference to the lives of 60 young people.
“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. It’s fantastic that Stoke-on-Trent can now benefit from having a Cadets unit as well.
“The Cadets depend on the generosity of patrons and sponsors and it was great to meet as a board for the first time last week.
“There are many different ways to support the service and we’re grateful for anything businesses or individuals can contribute, however big or small.”
The next opportunity to support the Cadets comes at Lichfield Garrick next on Saturday 12 April at 7.30pm with a fundraising concert by the British Police Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are available at www.lichfieldgarrick.com
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. More information is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
