GREATER Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has praised cadets on their dedication in completing an innovative 12-month programme designed to prepare them for adulthood.
The former Leigh MP visited Compassion in Action's (CIA) Patrick House base on Leigh Road to present a certificate of achievement to the charity's Community Cadets.
Addressing the youngsters, Mr Burnham said: “We are all so proud of you.
"I hope that the knowledge and experiences you have gained will help you to better understand your community and feel assured that there is a future here for you in Leigh.”
The cadets, aged eight to 15, then shared with Mr Burnham the highlights of their year, which included visits to the headquarters of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue.
They have also been assisting tenants with learning difficulties and having conversations about bullying, positive relationships and internet safety.
The children have raised funds for less fortunate families at Christmas through bag packing schemes as well.
West Leigh resident Lisa Speers, 34, also revealed her volunteering role at the cadets has helped her grow in confidence and secure paid work at St John’s CE Primary School.
“I have my family at home and my family here,” she added.
To further the cadets’ learning, Mr Burnham was invited to educate them on his role and responsibilities as mayor.
The former member of the Youth Parliament for Leigh also said he has introduced free bus travel for 16 to 18-year-olds in a scheme which is set to save card holders and their families around £500 a year.
He said: “I want you to be able to travel to your preferred college or find work without worrying about bus fares.
“I want Greater Manchester to be a place of opportunity.”
Andy Burnham leads a discussion about future career choices
The cadets raised the issue of homelessness and Mr Burnham shared with them his plans to end the need for rough sleeping in Greater Manchester.
“So many people are struggling," he said.
"Around 400 people will be sleeping in A Bed Every Night shelters tonight, but more than 130 people will still sleep on the streets.
“We don’t want to walk on by.
"We want to work together to get people off the streets for good.”
During a discussion about the cadets’ future career aspirations, the young people shared their hopes – including working for the police and fire service, going into teaching and becoming scientists.
One cadet said she would like to move into politics and be the first female mayor of Greater Manchester.
Towards the end of his discussion, Mr Burnham asked the cadets: “If you could have anything in Leigh, what would you want?”
Their answers ranged from “for everyone to have a home” to “feeling safe” and “a good, positive attitude”.
Compassion in Action CEO Pam Gilligan, Andy Burnham, Lisa Speers and Paula Richmond
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Speaking on behalf of the charity’s staff and volunteer team, CIA’s CEO Pam Gilligan said: “We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Andy for joining us for our presentation.
"His attendance allowed our cadets to learn first hand how local government works and to confidently share their vision for Leigh.
"We would also like to thank Paula Richmond, who is seconded by Wigan Council and has been instrumental in the success of our Community Cadets.
‘We are excited to see our young people mature into compassionate and community-minded citizens that we can all feel very proud of.”
CIA’s Community Cadets scheme is supported by Wigan Council and GMP.
The cadets meet at Patrick House every Monday from 6pm to 8pm. For more information contact 01942 418830.
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