More than 90 cadets from across the Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Thames Valley Police Cadets came together at Sulhamstead to take part in a large-scale multi-agency training event celebrating National Cadet Week.
The event brought together young people from a range of cadet organisations for a day of practical learning, leadership development and teamwork, while showcasing the vital work carried out by the emergency services and Armed Forces.
Designed to recognise the positive contribution cadet organisations make to young people and local communities, the event provided participants with the opportunity to experience a series of realistic, scenario-based challenges led by professionals and volunteers from partner organisations.
Working in teams, cadets rotated through a range of interactive activities including emergency first aid and CPR, leadership exercises and police-led incident scenarios. Each challenge was designed to test communication, decision-making and teamwork skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Throughout the day, participants learned vital lifesaving skills, including Basic Life Support and emergency first aid techniques, while gaining valuable insight into how emergency services and partner agencies work together to respond to incidents and support the public.
The event also highlighted the important roles played by the Armed Forces, South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police, providing cadets with a greater understanding of the opportunities, responsibilities and career pathways available within each organisation.
One of the standout aspects of the day was seeing cadets rise to the challenge, demonstrating resilience, confidence and leadership while supporting one another through a variety of demanding scenarios. Whether performing CPR, managing mock incidents or tackling team challenges, participants approached every activity with enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine willingness to learn.
National Cadet Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, commitment and community spirit shown by cadets across the country. The event reflected the values shared by cadet organisations, the emergency services and the Armed Forces, including teamwork, leadership, resilience and service to others.
A special thank you goes to the staff, volunteers and partner organisations whose support helped make the event such a success. Most importantly, congratulations to all the cadets whose energy, commitment and enthusiasm made the day both memorable and impactful.
Plans are already underway to build on this year’s success and explore opportunities for future events. Organisations interested in supporting or participating in future cadet engagement activities are encouraged to get in touch.
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) provide 999 and 111 services for a population of 4.4million across the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. They also run Patient Transport Services in Hampshire and Milton Keynes.
SCAS holds the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, and like all Gold Award holders, must demonstrate it provides supportive HR policies for Veterans, Reserves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and spouses & partners of those serving in the Aremd Forces.
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Cadet life is all about challenge, excitement and adventure. Cadets have many opportunities including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses, air experience flights and pilot training. The focus is always on enjoying yourself while improving your skills.
We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of his or her background. We encourage young people from all backgrounds to join the VPC, including those who may be vulnerable to the influences of crime and social exclusion.
The purpose of the VPC is not to recruit police officers of the future, but to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship amongst its members.