Barnstaple Sea Cadets issue call for volunteers to inspire youth

Barnstaple Sea Cadets is on the lookout for new adult volunteers to support a potential expansion in the number of young people they can work with. 

Their aim is to make a positive difference to teenagers and young people who are often struggling in today’s world.

Instructors can join either the uniformed or non-uniformed team, but both groups strive to provide the best experience possible to young people. 

They offer a wide range of educational and developmental experiences through fun, engaging, and safe activities.

Some instructors enjoy outdoor activities or teaching waterborne skills, while others prefer instructing in areas like catering or first aid. 

The organisation say they value the unique skills brought by those with armed forces or other relevant experience but also offer full training and accredited qualifications to develop new skills.

Rob Kinder, the Growth & Development Worker for the national Sea Cadets, said: “In Barnstaple's case, they are, I suppose, at the end of a cycle in a way, with some trustees stepping away in recent times and so on -and  generally looking to bring in some new talents and skills and instructors to provide as wide a range of experiences to as many local young people as possible. The local offer always relies on making the most of whoever is able to give time - for example, units have junior sections, with 10-12 year olds, and some units have primary teachers in these roles etc. 

“Often, this makes for a great experience for the young people. Some units are very strong with watersports instructors, others less so. In one place we even have a unit that has its own BMX track - the expertise and enthusiasm for this by one member of the team in particular means this was no coincidence! To be more succinct, the more units are supported, the better able they are to offer broad ranges of life-changing and enriching experiences and qualifications to more young people and children.”

While the roles are voluntary, they come with numerous benefits. 

Volunteers can contribute to their local community, develop new personal networks, and gain new experiences and skills.

Time commitment varies from role to role.

Some instructors attend twice a week, while others participate once a month to deliver a speciality. 

Barnstaple Sea Cadets offers a flexible approach, understanding that everyone has something to offer and that volunteering should fit around people's busy lives. 

If you would like to find out more about the organisation, please contact Barnstaple Sea Cadets to arrange an informal discussion. 

They hope to hear from interested parties soon.

You can contact the unit on: 

Telephone - 01271 379169

Email - seacadetsbarnstaple@gmail.com