Wednesday, 11 January 2023: New DCMS-funded initiative seeks to open Cadet units around the country and recruit youth leaders/helpers and young volunteers.

We are looking to open at least 15 new Cadet units around England specifically in IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation) 1-5 and Youth Investment Fund areas.

Target locations include Peterborough, St Neots, Manchester United Football Club, Rochdale, Golborne, Alton, Petersfield, Fareham, Kidderminster, Scunthorpe, Gainsborough, Boston, Mansfield, Worksop, St Helens, Norwich North West, Thetford, Fakenham, Diss, Harrogate, Thirsk, Otley, Skipton, Scarborough, South Shields, Willington, Halifax, Bradford and Watford.

With support and funding provided by the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport, St John is appealing for 45 adults to step forward and volunteer as Youth Leaders and Helpers and for 300 young people to join the organisation as Cadets in these new units, which are set to be operational following a development period in the first quarter of 2023.

Cadets are aged between 10 and 17 and learn first aid and a wide range of other skills through St John Ambulance. Older Cadets can go on first aid duties and also teach many first aid techniques such as Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to members of the public. On top of learning first aid, Cadets also get to participate in many fun and enjoyable activities at their weekly meetings, get involved with events such as summer camps and make lifelong friendships with other people of their age.

As one of the largest youth volunteering organisations in the country, St John aims to ensure that its Cadets have the best possible experience in a safe and nurturing environment, enabling them to become the next generation of first aiders as well as consider careers in healthcare in the longer term.

St John Cadets are guided by Youth Leaders and Youth Helpers as they work towards their Grand Prior Award, the highest accolade these young people can attain in the charity. Both the Leader and Helper role are instrumental to the development of these younger volunteers and successful applicants can also expand their role within St John, becoming first aiders and going on duty in the community and at events.

The focus on IMD 1-5 and Youth Investment Fund areas means that this initiative will bring an exciting new option for young people growing up in these parts of the country to get involved and make a contribution to their local community.

Caroline Conry, Head of Youth Delivery at St John Ambulance, said: “Our Cadets at St John are an inspirational group of young people who have the potential to achieve amazing things now and in the future. This DCMS-funded initiative is a great opportunity to grow our Cadets’ presence in key areas of England and also to welcome a large number of adult and under-18 volunteers to our charity over the next few months.

“Adults who are interested in the Youth Leader and Youth Helper roles can apply through our website. No first aid knowledge is required as all training is provided. And parents who would like to enrol their children as a Cadet in one of these 15 or more new areas can also get in touch with the charity to register their interest and start the process. I’m really looking forward to seeing this initiative grow in early 2023 and to welcoming all our new starters.”

Those interested in the charity’s Cadet programmes can find out more at Activities for Young People and at St John Ambulance Youth Programme.

Applications for Youth Leader and Youth Helper roles can be made at Youth Team.