The new High Sheriff for Staffordshire has become the latest to step up to support Staffordshire’s Police Cadet Service by becoming a patron.

High Sheriff for Staffordshire, Ashley Brough has committed £15,000 to the Cadets over the next three years which will help to expand the scheme, so that every young person across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent has the chance to become a cadet. 

There are now 10 successful units across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent with demand for more in the future.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis said: ‘The Cadets are a springboard for youngsters to learn leadership skills, gain confidence and a sense of enhanced civic pride and I am extremely grateful for the support our High Sheriff has shown them.

‘At its heart, I want the scheme to be supported by businesses who have a sense of civic responsibility as well as wanting to invest in the future of Staffordshire’s young citizens. Through their passion and commitment, Cadet Patrons are helping to change young lives.’

The Staffordshire Police Cadets – a uniformed and disciplined service for Staffordshire youngsters between 13 and 17 years old aims to strengthen links between the police and young people and promotes good citizenship.  They’re not training to be police officers, but they are learning the skills they need for the future.

The High Sheriff for Staffordshire said: ‘During my tenure as High Sheriff, I have worked closely with the Staffordshire Police Cadets and have experienced, first-hand, the changes this organisation can make to young lives.

‘The young people I have had the privilege to meet have all impressed me with their confidence and compassion, and I want to ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from this fantastic scheme. The children are our future and I hope that by investing in the Staffordshire Cadets I am helping to make this future brighter.’

The Staffordshire Commissioner, Matthew Ellis made a promise not to redirect money that’s used for frontline policing to fund the cadets. Instead it was agreed the business-sponsored Staffordshire Corporate Social Responsibility Fund would provide the money needed to grow this initiative.

For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk/get-involved/police-cadets