YOUNG cadets delivered a heartwarming presentation to senior council leaders to mark the one-year anniversary of the group scheme.
Compassion in Action’s (CIA) Community Cadets addressed managers from Wigan Council’s children’s services at the charity’s headquarters on Leigh Road in Leigh.
The cadets, aged from eight to 15, shared their personal highlights – including visits to Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Mounted Police Unit, Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service, Bolton Mountain Rescue and Regency Glass.
Director of Community Services: Start Well, Mike Chew, said: “It is brilliant to hear about your experiences, which have helped me see what an amazingly worthwhile scheme this is.
"Public speaking is not easy, but you nailed it.
"You spoke clearly and confidently – translating why this programme is important.
"You have given us a lot to think about in terms of how we can provide more opportunities to young people in Leigh.”
From left; PC Andy Parkinson of GMP and Lisa Speers with CIA's Community Cadets
Mum-of-three Lisa Speers, 34, from West Leigh, shared her own story.
She first attended cadets to support her son Mark,10, but enjoyed it so much she stayed on as a volunteer.
“My own confidence started to grow to the point where I now have a job at St John’s CE Primary School as a dinnertime assistant,” Lisa said.
“This would not have happened if I had not been coming to cadets.
I never saw anyone as I was a carer for family members and never did anything for me.
‘I love this group; it’s like a family.
It shows our children Leigh can be your future and you don’t have to move away to make your life great.”
Lisa’s son Mark added: “I am proud of my mum; she has got her confidence back.
"She did music at college and used to go on stage and perform.
"I definitely believe in her that she could do that again.”
From left; Lisa Speers and her son Mark with Mike Chew, Graham Doubleday and Pam Gilligan
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Youth community worker Paula Richmond has been seconded to the scheme by the council as part of the local authority's scheme, The Deal.
She helps to recruit the cadets, supports the volunteers and assists with the planning of the sessions.
She said: “Although it’s fun, the scheme is structured.
"We have been making the children aware of who Leigh’s decision-makers are and discussing issues that will affect them as adults. It has been fantastic to watch the young people and volunteers grow in confidence and develop.”
PC Andy Parkinson was also in attendance to support the youngsters, who enjoyed a special buffet provided by CIA’s catering team.
The scheme is backed by GMP, Leigh MP Jo Platt and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who will be presenting the cadets with their certificates next month.
CIA chief executive officer Pam Gilligan said: “I would like to thank James Winterbottom, director of children’s services at the council, and his team for seconding Paula to our cadets.
"Also, our marvellous apprentice business administrator Thea Compton-Jones is an amazing asset to the charity.
"Thea helps Paula and Lisa with the cadets scheme on a voluntary basis.
‘All our wonderful young people have embraced every project we have put before them over the past 12 months.
"There is a future for them here in Leigh and it is our privilege to help them love where they live.”
CIA Community Cadets meet at the charity’s Patrick House headquarters on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm. For more information contact 01942 418830.
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