Sea Cadets Sefton lead the way with Armed Forces Covenant signature
Sea Cadets Sefton became the first Sea Cadet unit to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
On 25 April, Sea Cadets Sefton received their Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) from Jan Cox QVRM, REED Merseyside & Isle of Man for the North West Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA).
By signing the AFC, the unit pledged their support to the armed forces. Inspired by the NW RFCA, they decided to be part of this collaborative and rewarding scheme. Based in Litherland, Sea Cadets Sefton are committed to supporting the military community. Historically, they have offered valuable life experiences for young people through maritime and military-related activities.
In their AFC, they pledge to:
- support military personnel
- engage with the community, including involvement with veterans’ organisations, military units, and the wider armed forces community
- educate, by ensuring that both cadets and Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) receive the support they need to reach their goals
- demonstrate the core values of the charity: courage, honesty, and integrity
Sea Cadets Sefton hope that this step forward will help to strengthen their relationship with the military community, open doors to additional support, and provide networking opportunities.
Capt (SCC) Eddie Pownall RMR, Commanding Officer, Sea Cadets Sefton, said:
As the Commanding Officer of a very busy, active, and successful Sea Cadet unit, I was delighted when my Executive Officer, Lt Cdr Fay Taylor, took the initiative to apply for inclusion in the Armed Forces Covenant.
I feel we are now part of a community within our wider community. I am hopeful, as we get our facilities up to a better standard, that we will become a hub for not just the youth of the area, but also veterans and the wider neighbourhood, collaborating where and when required proudly alongside our other Armed Forces Covenant Engaged Employers. We are ready to open ourselves up to new opportunities for our cadets, and I am happy to thank the staff at NW RFCA for their support.
Jan Cox QVRM, REED Merseyside & Isle of Man, who guided the unit through their application process, stated:
I was delighted to hear that, as a result of our presentation at the NW Sea Cadet Conference, we inspired Sea Cadets Sefton to be the first cadet unit to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
The aim of the presentation was to inform the CFAVs and cadets present about the role of the Regional Employer Engagement Director (REED), and the purpose of the Covenant. In doing so, we were able to explain how much CFAVs and cadets are valued and appreciated by supportive businesses and the wider community.
Many of our cadets are seeking opportunities to engage with, and support the armed forces community. Now that Sea Cadets Sefton are part of the Covenant family, I am sure partnerships will be fostered, and young people and adult volunteers alike will benefit.
If you would like to sign the AFC as well, get in touch with your Regional Employer Engagement Director.
You can find more information on the Sea Cadets Sefton.
For more information on North West RFCA, visit North West Reserve Forces & Cadets Association - (nwrfca.org.uk).