Volunteer Police Cadet unit to launch in Soham

CAMBRIDGESHIRE’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Graham Bright has announced the launch of a second Volunteer Police Cadet Unit at Soham Village College in April.

Following the successful pilot scheme established last year at the Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough, this second Cadet unit will be hosted by Soham Village College. The Cadet Unit will attract young people from Soham and the surrounding villages.

The Volunteer Police Cadet scheme is an inspiring opportunity for young people to gain a practical understanding of policing combined with volunteering in the community. Once they’ve completed their recruit level, the Volunteer Police Cadets will spend at least three hours a month engaging with their local communities.

Sir Graham said: “I am really excited about this new Volunteer Police Cadet Unit which rapidly follows the success of the first Cadet Unit in Peterborough. This continues my commitment in supporting work with young people and engaging them in activities that will benefit the whole community. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the staff at Soham Village College and I am sure that with their help this new Volunteer Police Cadet Unit will be a huge success.”

Soham Village College, Deputy Headteacher, George Price, said: “Staff and students at Soham Village College are delighted to be hosting a new Volunteer Police Cadet Unit. It will give enrichment opportunities for our young people and is set to be of direct benefit to the school and the local community”.

If you are from the East Cambridgeshire / Soham region and are interested in joining the Soham Volunteer Police Cadet Unit then please contact PC Elvis Bonilla at Ely Police Station on 101 or email cadets@cambs.pnn.police.uk

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The aims of the Volunteer Police Cadet scheme are to:

• Support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard
• Promote a practical understanding of policing among all young people
• Encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
• Inspire young people to participate positively in their communities
• Engage young people, including those at risk of entering the criminal justice system or being socially excluded, in activities that encourage them to develop socially and academically and make a positive contribution to the community in which they live
• Ultimately help build safer, stronger and more supportive communitiesParticipation in the scheme will provide accreditation towards formal qualifications and evidencing voluntary activities for the Princes Trust/ Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.The 2^nd Cambridgeshire Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme will be up and running by early summer and further units will be created in Wisbech and Cambridge City. Details about the other Cadet units will be announced shortly and the recruitment for Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders who will support the running of each unit has already commenced.