‘Love Where You Live’ vision inspires Compassion in Action Community Cadets Programme

The fourth cohort of our Community Cadets Programme is under way at Patrick House.

Year 6 pupils who are transitioning to high school in September are meeting weekly on Tuesday nights to enjoy purposeful activities designed to help them gain skills, grow their confidence and form new friendships.

The fully funded 12-month programme has been made possible thanks to the belief and support of local businesses – ensuring membership is free to our amazing young people and their families.

“Cadets is all about learning to ‘Love Where You Live’,” said our Founder & CEO Pam Gilligan. “We are walking with these young people on a journey, so that they can feel pride in their town and each other – growing into capable, positive, community-minded young citizens of Leigh.

‘Having run Cadets successfully prior to the pandemic – and seeing the challenges young people now face today – it was put on my heart earlier this year to bring this amazing programme back.”

Topics covered so far include kindness, inclusion and diversity – with special guest visits from Keith Stott, representing the Royal British Legion, and Karen Cox, Manager of Spinning Gate Shopping Centre.

Cadets designed ‘thank you’ cards for local veterans, which were presented to them on VE Day, and posters for Spinning Gate with a focus on health, safety and respectful behaviour.

As part of our rewards and incentives scheme, Cadets will be presented with uniforms in recognition of their attendance and receive a medal upon completion of each learning topic.

“We have achieved our whole-person care vision for adults,” added Pam. “Cadets is now meeting the Practical, Physical, Social and Mental needs of the youngest generation – teaching them practical skills, supporting them to experience belonging and purpose, and empowering them to look after their wellbeing.”

Spinning Gate Shopping Centre Manager Karen Cox, pictured with Community Cadets

Our Founder & CEO Pam Gilligan is pictured with Keith Stott, representing the Royal British Legion, following a discussion about the 80th anniversay of VE Day