Expeditions have helped cadet units across the UK recover from the aftermath of COVID-19. Not only did they provide a goal for those cadets completing their Duke of Edinburgh awards, they also provided a much-needed lift following many months of lockdown and disruption.
2344 (Longbenton) RAF Air Cadets is an example of a unit that has used expeditions (supported by The Ulysses Trust) to enable it to prosper. Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson explains how.
“Expeditions are an integral part of what we do. I think that’s what keeps many youngsters coming back because they see the benefits themselves. They can see the impact it makes on them.
“The morale boost that expeditions can give the unit is second to none. It feeds into all aspects of squadron activity and the cadets start helping each other because of the lift they get from taking part in these activities. Through that shared experience cadets bond and bring friendships forged during AT back to squadron. So during other activities that follow they’ll start supporting each other and encouraging each other to do those activities as well. So the knock-on effect that taking part in expeditions has for a unit from a morale and outcomes point of view is significant, and it’s an important part of what we do. And it has an impact not just on the unit, but also the individual which remains with them for the rest of their lives.”
“Going abroad opens aspirations because, for some of the youngsters, it will be the first time they’ve travelled out of their local area. So it assures them that there actually is a world outside of their doorstep and it broadens their horizons from the limitations of where they currently live.”
Expeditions have clearly played a key role in Longbenton’s continuing success which includes a former cadet, James Nealings, who is now an RAF Typhoon pilot. In 2021 Longbenton received a prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its work in the community. The Ulysses Trust is proud to support this excellent cadet unit.
KEY POINTS
- 77% of cadets attending the squadron come from low income families.
- The Trust has supported 4 expeditions undertaken by the squadron since 2014 benefitting 55 cadets and 13 adults with £12,040 of grants underwritten by the RAF Charitable Trust.
- Longbenton was the first unit (supported by the Trust) to deploy following the COVID-19 pandemic with a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition to the Cleveland hills.
- The majority of the squadron’s cadets are either on FSMs, have special educational needs or are in care.
“The morale boost that expeditions can give the unit is second to none.”
Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson