From First Aid to First-Class Volunteering: Dawn-Louise Jones Celebrates Award-Winning Year

From First Aid to First-Class Volunteering: Dawn-Louise Jones Celebrates Award-Winning Year

A passion for helping others is making a real difference to cadets across North Wales, as Porthmadog Detachment Instructor Dawn-Louise Jones celebrates an award-winning first year with Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force (ACF).

Since joining the ACF in 2025, Dawn-Louise has quickly established herself as a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer, bringing her wealth of first aid experience, community spirit and infectious enthusiasm to cadets and adult volunteers alike.

Her commitment to supporting others was recognised when she recently received the Outreach Award 2026 at the Welsh Ambulance Services Awards, celebrating the positive impact she makes in her community through her role as an Enhanced Community First Responder with the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust.

Despite juggling family life as a busy wife and mother, her ACF responsibilities and her studies towards a degree in forensic psychology, Dawn-Louise always finds time to help others.

Her enthusiasm for first aid has already benefited several detachments across the company. She recently led Restart a Heart sessions at Porthmadog and Pwllheli, helping to raise awareness of the importance of CPR and giving participants valuable lifesaving skills. She has also supported new cadets at Blaenau Ffestiniog Detachment, helping them develop their first aid knowledge and confidence.

Dawn-Louise is equally happy to get behind the wheel, proving a valuable addition to the team as a minibus driver, transporting cadets to training activities and events.

She also attended her first Annual Camp in 2026, gaining further experience of the opportunities available to cadets and adult volunteers.

Asked why she joined the Army Cadet Force, Dawn-Louise said:

“I love the values the ACF stand for and instil in the cadets.”

Her recent award came as a welcome surprise. Reflecting on the recognition, she said:

“I was surprised and honoured to receive the Outreach Award, but it’s a job I love doing.”

Company Commander Eli Eames praised Dawn-Louise’s contribution, saying:

“Dawn is a genuine, hard-working person who has really taken to the ACF. She is a real asset to the cadets and well deserving of her award.”

In just over a year, Dawn-Louise has shown how the skills, compassion and commitment that make an outstanding community responder can also make a real difference within the Army Cadet Force.

Her story is a great example of the contribution adult volunteers make every day — inspiring young people, sharing valuable skills and helping cadets develop the confidence to make a difference in their own communities.

Congratulations to Dawn-Louise on her well-deserved award and thank you for everything she brings to Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF!