NHS Cadets is a programme created by St John Ambulance in partnership with the NHS. It’s designed to provide young people with the opportunity to explore roles in healthcare and prepare for volunteering.
A local cadets scheme is being supported by both our Trust and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Cadets will learn about a range of exciting healthcare topics, develop leadership and communication skills, and gain insight into volunteering within the NHS.
It is a free programme consisting of two-hour weekly sessions over 36 weeks. Cadets will be supported throughout their journey by the NHS Cadets Team.
Cadets come from a diverse range of backgrounds – there is no ‘typical’ NHS Cadet.
If young people identify with one or more of these statements, the programme would be a good match:
• I’m from a minority ethnic group
• I consider myself part of the LGBTQI+ community, or I’m questioning
• I’m not in education, employment or training, or I’m at risk of this
• I’m struggling with my progress at school or college
• I live in care, or I’ve recently left care
• I provide regular care or support for someone
• I receive free school meals
• I have mental health concerns
• I consider myself to have a disability or impairment
• I consider myself neurodivergent, or I have special educational needs
• I am seeking asylum, or I’m a refugee
If young people are unsure whether they fit into one of these categories or wish to discuss something else, they can email nhscadets@sja.org.uk.
Cadets can sign up using the following links:
For ages 14 to 16: NHS Cadets Foundation Programme (14-16) – Gloucestershire (Tuesdays) | SJA NHS Cadets
For ages 16 to 18: NHS Cadets Advanced Programme (16-18) – Gloucestershire (Wednesday) | SJA NHS Cadets
