CFAVs Gareth Davies and Sean Guy were recently featured in the latest issue of North and West Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Business magazine sharing what it means to be a volunteer with the Cadet Force and the benefits of giving back to their communities. The magazine is distributed to employers and organisations throughout the region and promotes programmes and businesses. Gareth is a CFAV with Scarborough Sea Cadets and Sean leads Moor End Academy CCF and instructor with Yorkshire North & West Army Cadet Force.
Benefits for both volunteer and community
Both CFAVs share the benefits of being a volunteer and why they take time to help young people. The feature also shares the Strategic Defence Review aspirations to increase the Cadet Force by 2030, the social impact The Cadet Force has on society as stated in the University of Northampton report and how employers who employ CFAVs see the transferable skills our volunteers bring to the workplace.
Helping with youth development
Lieutenant (SCC) Gareth Davies RNR MBE, Executive Officer, Scarborough Sea Cadets is General Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park says, “Being a CFAV is a chance to make a real difference in young people’s lives, helping them gain confidence, skills, and opportunities they might not otherwise have. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch cadets grow, knowing you’ve played a part in their development. Volunteering has also boosted my own confidence and professional skills – from teamwork and communication to planning and mentoring – skills I use every day in my career.”
Enabling social mobility
Sean Guy is a school teacher and Contingent Commander at Moor End Academy Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Huddersfield and an instructor in D Company, Yorkshire North & West Army Cadet Force adds, “I see a massive difference in young people’s lives from being part of the cadets. The benefits in personal development, leadership, confidence, and social mobility are huge – and backed by academic research. Putting on that uniform can genuinely transform life chances and aspirations.”
Sean also serves on the national Army Cadet Multi-Cultural Network.
Thank you both for sharing your truly inspirational stories. Read the online version here and scroll to pages 40-41 for the full article.