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.

To mark his move from the North West Area Sea Cadets to the Eastern Area, Commander Charles Bagot‑Jewitt, Area Officer (Eastern), will undertake a week‑long sponsored cycle ride in support of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC).

Commander Bagot‑Jewitt will be joined on the challenge by CI Nick Crane, LC Felix (both from Burton on Trent), LC Hadley (from Accrington), and WO2 Paul Gillespie‑Antal (Staff RMO).

The team will depart on 27 March and cycle between Sea Cadets units across the country, covering hundreds of miles before arriving at MSSC National Support Centre in Lambeth, London, on 2 April.

The route will see the group visit:

• Northampton to Luton (1 April)
• Accrington to Tameside (28 March)
• Tameside to  Sheffield (29 March)
• Sheffield to  Nottingham (30 March)
• Nottingham to Northampton (31 March)
• Luton to MSSC Nafional Support Centre, London (2 April)

The challenge aims to raise over £2000 and awareness for the MSSC, supporting programmes that help young people develop confidence, skills, and a sense of nautical adventure.

Commander Bagot‑Jewitt said: “This ride is a fantastic opportunity to mark my move to the Eastern Area while supporting the organisation that means so much to us all. We’re looking forward to meeting cadets and volunteers along the way and shining a spotlight on the brilliant work happening across our units.”

Donations raised through this challenge (Just Giving - Charles Bagot Jewitt) will go directly toward enabling more young people to experience the life‑changing opportunities Sea Cadets provides.

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.