A Visit From The Boys in Blue!
Cadets across Hereford & Worcester ACF are used to parading in green, but last night Worcester Tp was turned blue after a planned insight evening from West Mercia Police.
After a successful visit at Malvern Tp earlier this year, two police officers from the local constabulary returned to Gheluvelt Coy to share their insight into a challenging and rewarding role. With them was a patrol car full of kit and equipment for cadets to try out – including hi-visibility clothing, body armour, and riot kit.
“This evening gave our cadets the opportunity to hear about policing from the officers who deliver it to the public,” says 2Lt Graham Spanswick, Detachment Commander, Worcester Tp.
“As ever, the response from the cadets was brilliant, and the pictures speak for themselves. A big thank you to our guests for giving up their time to create an engaging and informative activity.”
The Army Cadet Force is privileged to enjoy a constructive working relationship with the UK’s uniformed public services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, and NHS. Indeed, cadets learn about the impact they make in our Community Engagement syllabus, which teaches young people about their role in society, our responsibility to others, and the impact they themselves can make locally and nationally.
What is Community Engagement?
Our Community Engagement work forms a dedicated part of the Army Cadet Syllabus, or ACS, and provides cadets with an opportunity to think more broadly about the meaning of service.
Often, the context is does not carry a military theme, and overlaps with other elements of the ACS. A good example would be the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which itself requires cadet participants to design and execute their own contributions to their local communities. The results of this comprehensive thinking are clear: cadets leave the ACF with an appreciation of what selfless commitment means in practice, and an understanding of the ways the needs of more vulnerable members of society can be met – often with the smallest acts of kindness.
Examples of the ACF's Community Engagement initiatives in action include, but are not limited to:
- The Annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance;
- Recruitment activities at local public events;
- High-profile public duties, including state ceremonial and non-state parades;
- Local volunteering in charity shops and care homes;
- Visits to (and by) local uniformed public services;
- Local litter picks and environmental projects;
- The Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Are you a former or serving member of a uniformed public service looking for an additional way to make an impact in your community? Scroll down and click below to find your local detachment and get in touch with our chain of command. Detachment nights typically take place once a week for two to three hours, with occasional additional commitments at weekends to fit around your availability.
#ArmyCadetsUK #Police #Fire #Ambulance #ToInspireToAchieve
