Sea Cadets is calling for people to come on board this February as part of a national recruitment campaign, #NeverOrdinary, and see how being a cadet or volunteer can make a difference to their lives.

#NeverOrdinary runs throughout the month, and aims to show young people how Sea Cadets can help them become resilient, confident youngsters through 400 community units across the UK. At Sea Cadets, young people aged between 10 and 17 can enjoy land-based and water-based adventure such as sailing, rowing, kayaking, first-aid training, rock-climbing and drill, as well as earn nationally recognised qualifications, sail offshore, and travel abroad on an international exchange programme. 

Volunteers, meanwhile, can earn qualifications while helping young people to develop and flourish. There are lots of roles to match different professions, such as helping manage finances and budgets, fundraising for the unit, organising events and building corporate relationships with local businesses. Alternatively, you could show cadets how to sail, powerboat, kayak, windsurf, play football or learn first aid. All volunteers will receive an induction and will be given training and support.

It comes as Sea Cadets publishes the results of a survey, which shows:

- 94% of parents feel their child’s self-confidence, motivation and team-work had “greatly improved” at Sea Cadets.

- 53% of cadets feel being part of Sea Cadets will help with their long-term happiness and wellbeing.

- 67% of cadets said they cope better in new situations – such as going for a job interview – as a result of being in Sea Cadets.

- 48% of cadets believe the youth charity will help reduce risk or antisocial behaviour.

Captain Phil Russell RN, Captain Sea Cadets, said: “Life can be really challenging for young people today; the world moves so fast, and that can be really difficult. At Sea Cadets, everyone has a chance to take part; there are no financial barriers to getting involved to learn great new skills, and develop new ways of dealing with life’s challenges. With us, it’s easier to do better at school, stand out when it comes to getting on a course and finding a job. Join us, and Sea Cadets will help you to thrive.”

To join Sea Cadets today, visit: https://www.sea-cadets.org/units