Cheshire Fire Cadet plea for volunteers

Cheshire Fire Cadet plea after units close due to lack of volunteers

The country's largest voluntary fire cadet scheme has sadly lost its title and has had to close some of its units due to lack of volunteers to help run the programme.

Cheshire Fire Cadets started over 24 years ago and is now in desperate need of volunteer cadet staff to help ensure the longevity of its 26 units. People from all walks of life are needed to help and firefighting experience is not necessary.

However, of those 26 units, nine have to close, including Audlem.

Nick Evans, Head of Prevention, made it perfectly clear and said: "There is probably a bit of a myth about volunteering with fire cadets that you need some kind of firefighter experience, but that's simply not true. There's no set profile and certainly there's no need to have a background in the fire and rescue service to volunteer with Cheshire Fire Cadets. You do, however, need drive and commitment in helping young people to thrive in your local community, and that's all we are asking for from our volunteers.

"We are urgently looking for people from all walks of life to help with our cadets and would urge anyone with a couple of hours spare each week to get in touch."

Being a Cheshire Fire Cadet Volunteer is an exciting opportunity. With around 350 cadets (aged 12-17) in the 26 locations across Cheshire communities, being an adult volunteer with Cheshire Fire Cadets will give people the opportunity to:

• Help support, inspire and influence young people in the local community
• Develop new skills and develop leadership qualities
• Gain qualifications
• Meet like-minded people and have fun

The Service currently has around 100 enthusiastic and committed adult volunteers who help to lead, guide and inspire our cadets in their local area, but they need more to ensure there is a unit on each fire station.

Nick added: "If you speak to any of our volunteer cadet staff they will tell you they do it because they love it. They enjoy the fun, friendship, action, adventure and practical activities the fire cadets provides. They also enjoy making a real difference to young people in their community -- helping to inspire them to achieve formal qualifications, building their confidence, and encouraging them to think for themselves and to act for others.

"All we ask is that you are able to give up one evening a week for a drill night. So, if you want to do something really rewarding with your free time, that's local to you, then Cheshire Fire Cadets could be exactly what you're looking for. I know that once you've joined you'll never look back and I look forward to welcoming you to the team."

Telephone the Youth Engagement Team on 01606 868654 or email vicky.wrest@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Alternatively download the application pack here

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