Two Cadet First Aiders practising bandaging their heads.

We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment.

Cadets can get involved in:

  • learning first aid
  • volunteering at local and national events
  • engaging in social action and helping their local community
  • learning about health and wellbeing
  • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training
  • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities
They are so amazing and without such amazing teachers to explain everything, encourage me and help me to learn first aid, I don’t think I would have been able to help my mum.
Young Cadet teenager smiling.

What Cadets get up to

Cadets are organised into local units where they get to develop their skills and build relationships as a team. They typically meet once a week.

Grand Prior's Award

All Cadets work towards their Grand Prior’s Award. This consists of over 20 subjects across a broad range of topics and activities.

Subjects include:

  • Adventure Skills
  • Casualty Simulation
  • Celebrating Difference
  • Healthy Minds
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Leadership & Teamwork
  • Power of Communication
  • St John Journey

Cadets are encouraged to have a voice in selecting the subjects they complete. Each subject lasts six weeks, with a range of activities, adapted to suit all learning styles and abilities.

Cadets also have the opportunity to take part in local and national events and activities with St John.

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Cadet Development Courses

Cadets also have the option to challenge themselves further and take their skills to the next level with one of our Cadet development courses.

Cadet Community First Aider (ages 13+)

Our Cadet Community First Aider course is all about caring for the community and sharing first aid skills and advice. Once Cadets complete the course, they’ll be able to put their first aid skills in to practise at local and national events, alongside adult volunteers. For example, at the London Marathon, Manchester Price, musical festivals, sport events, and many more.

Cadet Emergency Responder (ages 16+)

Cadet Leadership (ages 13+)

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The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Cadets also have the opportunity to complete their Duke of Edinburgh's Award with us. Or, if they are completing it with their school or another organisation, they can still complete certain sections of the award with us such as volunteering or skills.

Information for parents and guardians

Cadets cost £10 a month or £120 a year.

The subscription covers:

  • keeping young people safe
  • equipment and resources
  • certificates and badges
  • uniform

There might be an extra cost for other events like camps and residential courses.

Financial assistance

We want to make as many young people first aid confident as we can, regardless of their financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available for subscriptions. Cadet uniform is provided free of charge.

Financial assistance can be applied for as part of your joining application. If you or your child are an existing member of St John Ambulance, please speak to the Unit Manager of the Unit that you or your child attend.

Cadet uniform

Cadet uniforms are provided free of charge.

Cadets wear a St John Ambulance polo shirt and a brassard for their badges. These are worn with black trousers, socks, and shoes.

Once a Cadet has completed their Cadet Operational First Aid course, they will be provided with an operational first aid uniform, which mirrors that of our adult volunteers.

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Sign up now

Find your nearest Cadet Unit by searching with your postcode on our online portal.

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