Teenagers from the Staffordshire Cadet Service shone at Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Services (SCVYS) Live showcase event in front of 170 young people and volunteers.
A team of Cadets, aged 16 and 17, from the Stafford and Cannock units attended the event alongside Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Matthew Ellis to celebrate 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 mini workshops and networking opportunities.
The Cadet Service was revealed as a finalist for the Les Simmons Youth Impact Awards celebrating the positive impact of a youth organisation in Staffordshire. Cannock Cadet unit member, Emily Williscroft, was also nominated for the community award for her work to highlight the growing issue of Female Genital Mutilation to young people in the Cadet Service.
During the event the Cadets performed a Guard of Honour for the entrance of the VIP’s including Mr Ellis. The young people also took part in a networking event after the talent showcase where they handed out leaflets for the newly launched Staffordshire Smart Alert App which provides real-time crime alerts.
The Staffordshire Smart Alert App and website, rated 12 years or over, has been launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire Matthew Ellis and allows local people to receive alerts direct to their phone or tablet or through an App.
Mr Ellis, a VIP guest speaker at the event, discussed the positive impact of the Cadets and how people can get involved in the service, how to apply for the Commissioner’s People Power Fund which provides funding to make communities safer and also highlighted the launch of the Staffordshire Smart Alert App.
He explained: “Communities are the eyes and ears that can help police to make communities safer and help to reduce and prevent crime. The power of communities to watch out for each other is invaluable.
“This is an important step forward in empowering communities. It will mean people can now receive local, targeted alerts on crime and community safety when and where they want them. It will also make sure communities can help police in turning the tables on crime.”
Mr Ellis concluded his speech at the event by explaining he will not redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the Cadets Service. Businesses are being invited to become Patrons 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 would like more details on the Cadets service and how to become involved in the the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets.
The free Staffordshire Smart Alert App can be downloaded from the Apple and Android App stores or you can sign up to receive email invites via the website www.staffordshiresmartalert.uk.
To find out more about Matthew Ellis’ Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy visit: www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/saferfairerunited
