Kingston Park Army Cadets to open their doors for free community evening

Jordan McCann with Lord Mayor of Newcastle Henry Gallagher

A free open evening at Kingston Park Army Cadets will give local families and potential adult volunteers the chance to find out what the organisation is really about.

The event takes place on Tuesday 6 October from 7pm to 9pm at Kingston Park Detachment and is open to the local community, with no pressure or obligation to sign up.

Visitors will be able to meet cadets and instructors, ask questions, see the detachment and learn more about the activities, qualifications and opportunities available through the Army Cadet Force.

For me, the event is particularly worth highlighting because I had the opportunity to meet Jordan from the Army Cadets at Newcastle Civic Centre during Armed Forces Day on 27 June.

Jordan had only recently returned from London after successfully completing a training course, and he took the time to explain what the Army Cadets actually offers young people and adult volunteers.

He was friendly, passionate and extremely knowledgeable, and speaking to him completely changed my own understanding of the organisation.

Before that conversation, I suspect my impression was similar to that of many people: that the Army Cadets was largely centred around military-style training.

In reality, it is far broader than that.

The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s largest youth organisations and provides young people with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork, leadership, resilience and independence in a supportive environment.

It is not simply about preparing young people for a future in the Armed Forces. The skills and experiences available can benefit cadets whatever direction they eventually choose to take in life.

Activities can include:

• Adventure training

• Weekend and annual camps

• Expeditions

• Fieldcraft

• First aid

• Sports and competitions

• Community engagement

• Leadership development

• Navigation

• Radio communications

• Music, pipes and drums

• Drill and ceremonial events

• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

• Nationally recognised qualifications

The friendships, confidence and practical experience young people gain through the organisation can stay with them long after their time as a cadet has finished.

The upcoming Kingston Park open evening will give parents and young people the opportunity to see that for themselves.

It is also aimed at adults who may be interested in volunteering.

One of the things Jordan was particularly keen to explain when we met was that adult volunteers do not need to have served in the Armed Forces.

People from all backgrounds are encouraged to get involved.

Whether you are a teacher, tradesperson, office worker, healthcare professional, engineer, student, parent, grandparent, retired or simply someone who wants to contribute to the local community, there may be a role for you.

Full training is provided, and adult volunteers can themselves gain qualifications and experience in areas including leadership, management, first aid, adventurous training, sport and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

More importantly, they have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people’s lives.

Jordan spoke very positively about how rewarding that involvement can be, and his enthusiasm for the organisation was obvious.

During Armed Forces Day, I also had the pleasure of meeting the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Henry Gallagher, who was happy to join us for a photograph and show his support for the work of the Army Cadets.

That day gave me a much greater appreciation of what the organisation contributes to young people and to communities across our area.

The Kingston Park event is therefore a great opportunity for local residents to find out more for themselves.

KINGSTON PARK ARMY CADETS – FREE OPEN EVENING

Date: Tuesday 6 October

Time: 7pm–9pm

Location: Kingston Park Detachment

Entry: Free

Who can attend: Young people, parents, families and adults interested in volunteering

Visitors can meet the team, find out what cadets do, explore the opportunities available and ask any questions they may have.

There is no pressure and no obligation to join.

If your child is interested in outdoor activities, developing new skills, making friends, building confidence or challenging themselves, it could be well worth going along.

Equally, if you are an adult looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity where you can learn new skills while supporting young people, this may be something worth exploring.

After meeting Jordan and hearing first-hand about everything the Army Cadets offers, I would genuinely encourage Great Park residents to take advantage of the open evening and find out more.

Jordan was a fantastic ambassador for the organisation when I met him in June, and I hope the event gives more local families the chance to discover the opportunities he was so passionate about.

Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to discover something you never knew was available.

For some young people – and potentially some adult volunteers too – that conversation could open the door to something very worthwhile.