Cadet Sergeant Daniel Monoghan from Merseyside Army Cadets is a great example of what young people can achieve through one of the country’s oldest and largest youth organisations.
The 17-year-old cadet from Southport Detachment recently completed The National Citizen Service (NCS) qualification. In partnership with the Sea Cadets, Daniel was able learn new, transferable skills that will not only enhance his CV but also support his development into a future citizen.
The National Citizen Service (NCS) is nationally recognised and aimed at young people aged 15-17. The project is run by different organisations and on the last intake the Sea Cadets offered the Army Cadets the opportunity to participate.
The structure of the NCS is split into three phases, Phase 1 being team-building with adventurous activities, Phase 2 life skills and Phase 3 social action. With help and support from Merseyside Army Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Andy Cheetham, Daniel completed all required aspects of the qualification. By participating in all three phases, Daniel had the opportunity to go skiing, snowboarding, learn about Parliament, employability skills, project management, produce a petition and meet with Safe Generation in Sefton to learn about what they do. Along with his peers, the 17-year-old also spent half a day with Sefton Veterans learning about what the Charity does and hearing personal stories of some of the problems that some veterans face, such as PTSD, homelessness and drug addiction.
Rucksacks 4 Veterans was a project that was created by Daniel and the rest of the team for the final phase of the NCS. The cadet’s aim was to fundraise enough money to make over 20 aid bags equipped with warm clothes, blankets, food and water, and simple items that would make a difference to someone living on the streets. With the support, information and insight from the Sefton Veterans charity, a Facebook Page was established requesting donations for items along with a JustGiving account to help raise money. Daniel and the cadets managed to raise the money they needed within weeks as well as numerous donations of items. With everything in place, on a cold December evening, with 20 rucksacks filled, the group of supervised young people took to the streets of Liverpool in search of homeless veterans to help.
In December last year, Colour Sergeant Instructor Andy Cheetham and Daniel travelled to London with the Sea Cadets and their instructors for the NCS Graduation Ceremony, which was held at Trinity House. Dressed in Number 2 Dress Cadet Sergeant Monoghan, who is cap badged The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was presented his award.
Daniel said: “NCS is a life changing experience and helping others was the key for me to decide to do it. Being the only Army Cadet in the country on this intake was amazing and to go to London in Number 2 Dress was great. Representing the Army Cadets from all over the country at the event was an amazing privilege”
Colour Cheetham, who was also given recognition for his support, said: “I was honoured to witness the growth of the cadets throughout the process. They formed a very effective team and used the skills given to them extremely well. It was an excellent course delivering skills for life.
“It gave me enormous pride to see the team graduate and witness a senior cadet from my own detachment resplendent in No 2’s topping off his Army Cadet career in fine fashion! It made the hours of paperwork, running around, and organising uniform etc., not to mention the 10hr drive home in the snow, worth it.’
For more information about Merseyside Army Cadets and how you can get involved, as a cadet or as an Adult Volunteer, visit armycadets.com/county/merseyside-acf/
