‘We want to have a positive impact on the younger generation’

‘It is one of the best ways for Sussex Police to have a positive impact with the younger generation’.

Sussex Police Cadet Leaders have shared their experiences of making a difference to young people as part of National Volunteers’ Week.

The week is marking its 40th anniversary this year, and this week Sussex Police has highlighted the outstanding work of its Special Constables, Community Speedwatch volunteers, and Police Support Volunteers.

The force is also recognising the work of its Cadet leaders who provide learning and insights into policing for 156 young people aged between 13 and 18.

Among the leaders are Brighton and Hove leader PC Brett Robinson, who was a Police Cadet himself before joining the force, and Mid Sussex leader Jayne Bright.

Brett started out as a cadet 12 years ago with both the Army and Police cadets, and wanted to repay the time of volunteers who helped inspire him during his youth. He now balances his demands as a frontline officer, including on weekend and night shifts, to provide sessions to young people.

He said: “When I first joined the Brighton and Hove Cadet Unit in 2019, it came as a shock to the system to prepare lessons to a large group of kids I barely knew. It felt like I was actually learning with the cadets as I was going through training at Lewes Headquarters as a Police Constable at the time.

“Fast-forward five years and it is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is so easy to be wrapped in the negative headlines of youth knife crime or dealing with young offenders while working on the frontline, but we should remember that the vast majority of children are not like that.

“I am always incredibly proud of what our cadets achieve, and hearing them say how much it makes their week makes all the hours put in worthwhile.

“Colleagues often ask why I attend cadet sessions, particularly before a night shift or after an early. Or even why I volunteer my time at all. But seeing how much the kids get out of the sessions each week and how they get excited after making new friends makes it all worthwhile.

“The cadets allow us to engage with communities we may not usually deal with, we attend a range of events such as helping out at the Brighton Marathon, raising money for the Sussex Police Charitable Trust, and supporting policing such as by working on a Fraud Prevention project for young people in Sussex.”

Meanwhile, Jayne Bright has been a leader in Mid Sussex for about seven years, and this year the unit was recognised as The Cadet Unit of the Year for Sussex Police.

She said: “I’ve always been keen on supporting young people and became aware that the Mid Sussex Unit was potentially going to close due to lack of leaders. I got in touch with the NPT Inspector. I’ve never looked back and have been attending ever since.

“I love it. I’m sure I get as much out of it as the cadets do. We arrange for guest speakers and visits so the cadets learn first-hand about the wider force, including visits from the Camera Safety Team, Cyber Security team, Roads Policing Unit officers, Tactical Firearms Unit, and Gatwick.

“We talk about all the roles within policing and the many different career paths available, as well as life skills such as taking pride in their appearance with uniform preparation and boot polishing, teamwork, discipline, and improving their self-confidence.

“When they join, they are often shy. Many will barely make eye contact or answer any questions, some struggle with confidence and other issues but by the time they leave us aged 18, they are leading sessions, giving presentations, often going on to university, and have made friends with people they would never have met otherwise.”

The Cadet scheme is aimed at 13 to 18-year-olds and provides opportunities to young people to gain a practical understanding of policing whilst encouraging the spirit of adventure and good citizenship amongst its members.

There are approximately 156 Cadets within Sussex, who attend a two-hour session each week during term time.

Cadets assist with local police initiatives including those highlighting fraud, knife crime and speed awareness. They regularly help Trading Standards and Licensing Teams with Test Purchasing. They also help at events such as Airborne at Eastbourne and Brighton Marathon. All this is achieved due to the hard work and dedication of our Cadet Leaders, who are police officers, Special Constables, Community Support Officers, police support volunteers and staff.

Thematic lead for Cadets Chief Inspector Roy Hodder said: “I am always so moved at the outstanding contribution that the Volunteer Police Cadets make here in Sussex.

“They are so visible across the county, at events, engagement opportunities, supporting operations with test purchasing or sweeps for items which could cause harm. At the same time, we hear of their wider contribution.

“I was moved to hear of a cadet who located a confused elderly person, who was in their nightwear, walking around the streets during the early hours, while the cadet was performing their paper round. The cadet recognised the person as someone that they deliver too, so was able to get them home and make them comfortable, calling upon the emergency services to provide wider support and safeguarding.

“This compassion and dedication to public service is exactly the reason we run the scheme, providing our next generations with opportunities to flourish.

“This is only possible, because of the dedication of our amazing leaders, who come for our Police Service Volunteers, Police Community Support Officers, Police Staff, Police Officers and Special Constables, who give their time in not preparing, planning and delivering the weekly events, camps, and policing activities.

“Without their dedication none of this would be possible and I am so proud that I get to work with such amazing people.”

More information about National Volunteers’ Week is available on the website here.

If you or perhaps a family member or friend is interested in volunteering opportunities visit the volunteer information page on our website to find out more or contact the volunteer team by emailing: [email protected]