News

Sea Cadets stepped aboard HMS Belfast for The Big Help Out, taking part in a hands-on day of learning with Imperial War Museums volunteers who help bring the ship’s history to life.

Across two sessions, cadets explored what life was like for wartime sailors, hearing first-hand stories from former Royal Navy submariner and ex–Sea Cadet Mike Allen, and discovering the strong sense of teamwork that defined the original crew.

As part of the visit, cadets created self-portraits to form a new “HMS Belfast crew”, a modern, diverse reflection of the ship’s company. The activity encouraged them to think about their own identity, experiences and future ambitions.

The event, part of The Big Help Out marking Volunteers’ Week, highlighted how volunteering helps preserve history, strengthen communities and support young people to build confidence and skills for life.

MSSC CEO Guy Holloway said: “Sea Cadets is about helping young people grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork. On HMS Belfast, they’re not just seeing history, they’re learning directly from volunteers who bring it to life.”

Sea Cadets will join other cadet forces across the UK in marking the first-ever National Cadets Week, taking place from 5–11 October 2026.

The week will celebrate the contribution of cadet forces nationwide, recognising the positive impact they have on young people, volunteers and communities.As part of the week, Sea Cadets units will open their doors to families, schools and local communities, offering a chance to learn more about cadet life. Cadets and volunteers will also take part in outreach activities, delivering presentations in schools and workplaces to raise awareness of the programme.

With a strong focus on first aid training, activities will showcase the opportunities available, helping to inspire new cadets, attract volunteers, and demonstrate how cadet experiences prepare young people for adult life.

Guy Holloway, Chief Executive of Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC), said:
“National Cadets Week provides an important opportunity to celebrate Sea Cadets, raise awareness of our impact, recognise our volunteers, and support future growth. It also links directly to the Government’s wider ambition to grow cadet forces by 30% by 2030.”

During National Cadets Week, units will be encouraged to engage locally by:

• Opening their units to cadet peers, families and local communities
• Supporting cadets to share their experiences in schools
• Encouraging volunteers to talk about their roles in workplaces, where appropriate

A national event at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on Saturday 10 October will bring together the wider Royal Navy Cadets community to celebrate and showcase the collective impact, diversity and achievements of cadets and volunteers, alongside regional events.

A new Cadets Action Plan, to be published during the week, will also set out how cadet organisations will continue to grow and evolve, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant to future generations.

Sea Cadets continues to offer young people the chance to develop confidence, resilience and important life skills, while taking part in a wide range of nautical activities and working towards recognised qualifications.

By taking part in this national celebration, Sea Cadets will help highlight the important role of cadet organisations in supporting young people to learn, grow and succeed.

As Children's Mental Health Week (9-15 February) launches with the theme "This Is My Place", new Sea Cadets data reveals we're that vital space of belonging for thousands of young people.

In a national survey of 1,239 cadets, 76% say Sea Cadets improves their day-to-day wellbeing. Over 70% feel it equips them to handle tough times, building coping skills, confidence and trusted friendships.​

Volunteers and parents agree: 88% of 1,900 volunteers see happier cadets daily, while 74% of 3,000 parents report wellbeing gains since joining.​

Capt Hannah Mackenzie, RNR, Captain Sea Cadets, says: " When young people feel they truly belong, everything changes - their confidence, motivation, and outlook. Sea Cadets offers that sense of belonging through shared adventure, purpose and teamwork. At a time when many young people are struggling with loneliness or uncertainty, we’re proud to be that safe space.” 

Peregrine Trophy Photo Competition 2025

The Royal Navy’s Peregrine Trophy returns for 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase creative talent through photography or short film, highlighting the experiences and spirit of cadet life. Entries are open to all cadets and volunteers. 

Entries must feature imagery or video captured between 16 December 2024 and 14 February 2026. Participants may enter either or both categories:

• Category 19 – Cadet/Cadet Instructor Amateur Photographer 2025
  Awarded to the best cadet-themed photograph demonstrating creativity, impact, and technical skill.

• Category 20 – Cadet/Cadet Instructor Amateur Videographer 2025
  Awarded to the best 1–2 minute video capturing the benefits and experiences of cadet life.

Download your entry form and familiarise yourself with the full rules and send your entries and signed entry forms to peregrine@ms-sc.org. The competition closes on 21 February 2026.

Winning photographs and videos will be displayed at the Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth, and may feature in Royal Navy and MSSC publications and digital channels.

As we celebrated the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III on 14 November, we were also proud to congratulate the three outstanding Sea Cadets units who have been named as recipients of the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025: Greenwich, Deptford & Rotherhithe Unit (TS Dreadnought); Sefton Unit (TS Starling); and Twickenham Unit (TS Saumarez).

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the UK’s highest form of recognition for community groups and is considered to be the equivalent of an MBE. Their awards are a truly remarkable achievement, given that across the UK only 231 local charities, volunteer groups and social enterprises are receiving this rare honour in 2025.

The incredible volunteers at all three units have worked tirelessly to provide a wide range of activities and learning experiences for their cadets: helping local young people to gain skills, achieve qualifications and improve their confidence and wellbeing. Together, these passionate individuals give thousands of hours each year to enriching young lives and developing the community leaders of the future.

It is a great honour for everyone at MSSC to feature in an awards scheme established as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2002, to mark the Golden Jubilee of our former patron, Queen Elizabeth II. We are delighted that the awards were continued by His Majesty The King following his accession, and immensely grateful that our volunteer-led units have been rewarded for their selfless dedication to serving local young people. 

Over the coming months, the three units will look forward to the formal presentation of the award crystal and certificate by their Lord-Lieutenant, as the representative of HM King Charles III. Volunteer representatives of each unit will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next summer, in recognition of the efforts of their unit’s trustees, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, parents/carers and supporters.

BZ to all three units and to everyone who has played a part in this unique achievement!