Cheshire PCC Dan Price backs new cadets video for schools

From bullying to belonging: Cheshire cadets tell their stories in new campaign

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price is backing a new schools campaign to highlight the life-changing opportunities available through local cadet organisations.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has funded a new promotional video, produced in partnership with the North West Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association (NWRFCA), which will be shown in schools across Cheshire from next week.

Personal stories at the heart of the campaign

The film features young members of the Cheshire Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and the Sea Cadet Corps in Warrington, sharing how cadet life has helped them.

In their own words, cadets describe:

• Finding a safe space away from bullying
• Getting back on the right path after difficult periods
• Gaining a sense of belonging when they struggled to fit in at school
• Building confidence, resilience and valuable life skills

Schools visits to encourage sign-ups

Alongside the video launch, the Army Headquarters North Engagement Team will visit schools to deliver presentations and encourage pupils to find out more about joining.

The initiative supports a national ambition to increase cadet membership by 30% by 2035, with the government committing £70 million to grow the cadet forces over the coming decade.

Structure, purpose and belonging

Dan Price said:

“Cadet organisations offer young people incredible opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence and develop positive relationships that can shape their future.”

“This film shines a light on the experiences of local cadets and demonstrates how joining can have a transformative impact on a young person’s life. For some young people who may be at risk of making poor choices or spending time with the wrong influences, becoming a cadet can provide structure, purpose and a sense of belonging.”

Chance Wilson DL, Chief Executive of the NWRFCA, added:

“The Cadet experience provides fun, friendship and a sense of belonging through which young people find themselves and develop vital life skills: confidence, communication, responsibility, teamwork as well as gaining valuable qualifications.”

“Cadets participate in adventurous activities, discover untapped strengths and develop inner resilience, the foundation to becoming successful young people and better citizens.”

Background: national cadet growth plans

The UK currently supports just over 137,000 cadets alongside around 28,000 adult volunteers.

Achieving the 30% expansion would mean recruiting around 40,000 additional cadets, taking the overall number to roughly 177,000, and requiring approximately 8,000 more adult volunteers.

While the original 2030 target has been pushed back to 2035 in the latest Defence Investment Plan, ministers say there remains strong ambition to keep funding cadet forces and ensure safe, fit-for-purpose facilities.

• Find out more about joining the Cadets here