2502 squadron RAF Air Cadets based in Leicester have received a grant of £10,000 from the Severn Trent Community Fund. 

The squadron has 59 cadets from 13 to 18 years old, who meet twice weekly. Cadets undertake a range of activities and work towards earning badges to demonstrate their knowledge of disciplines including aviation, first aid, fieldcraft and cyber awareness. 

The grant will be used to purchase new PCs for the squadron to run flight simulation software, a key step before they’re able to take to the air for real and qualify for their aviation or gliding badges.

Flight Lieutenant, Shawn Whitehead, Officer Commanding , 2502 squadron RAF Air Cadets, said: “2502 squadron provides a safe space, where our cadets can be proud of who they are and have opportunities to develop their confidence and self-esteem, and teach resilience and self-control, all contributing to improved wellbeing and good citizenship.

“We currently have eight old desktop computers which unfortunately are no longer up to the task of running flight and air traffic control simulations. These provide the basic principles of flight, aircraft instrumentation and airfield layout and procedures and cadets need these skills prior to being offered airborne sorties and the award of their aviation and gliding badges. 

“We’re so pleased to have been selected by the Community Fund Panel. The opportunity to use the flight simulators, practice flight control using radio techniques and take part in advanced flight challenges around the world in cyber space, is a marvelous facility for the young people in our challenging community.

The squadron will also be using its new PCs to support other Air Cadets in Leicestershire. 

Flt Lt  Whitehead continued: “We knew that other squadrons face similar issues and will be  inviting other local squadrons in Leicestershire to come and use these facilities to help them train their staff and teach their cadets.

“Being an Air Cadet opens a world of opportunities for young people, especially from deprived communities such as ours, and our close relationship with partners like the RAF provide unique opportunities to help them to reach their full potential.” 

We would also like to thank The Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation for their grant support towards aspects of this whole project. 

Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, said: “Organisations like the Air Cadets can provide young people with some fantastic opportunities to develop life skills, particularly in more deprived areas. We’re really happy that our panel selected 2502 squadron and I’m sure these cadets will be up in the air in no time.”

To find out more about the Severn Trent Community Fund, visit stwater.co.uk and search for Community Fund.