Reaching Out to Inspire Young People in Cornwall as the ACF Opens Its First New Detachment in over 50 years!
We are honoured to announce that Active Plus are part of an exciting new collaboration between Red Moor School and Cornwall ACF. The Army Cadets is a voluntary youth organisation that is sponsored by the MOD.
On Friday 17th January 2025, we were privileged to attend the Cornwall Army Cadets (Cornwall ACF) Inauguration Ceremony as they announce the opening of their first new detachment in over 50 years, which will allow students at Red Moor School to complete the Army Cadet Force training syllabus. This detachment will be officially known as ‘Lostwithiel (Red Moor School) Detachment’.
Speaking after the inauguration ceremony, Colonel Paul Deakin, who is currently Cornwall ACF’s Commandant said,
“I am delighted to be here, to meet these fantastic young people and I am excited for the future of this new Detachment and these Cadets.”
The Colonel has been part of the AFC for twenty-five years. This “superb” organisation has been supporting Cornish children throughout, providing Cadets with,
“a real taste of everything that is so positive about the Army and really helping to set them up for life – adventure, activity, challenge, self-discipline, self-reliance, leadership and camaraderie.”
The fact that the Cadets currently parade across twenty-two different locations is evidence of the incredible impact this organisation has on the young community, effectively standing as a safe, structured, educational and insightful environment for so many. Understandably, Colonel Paul Deakin’s passion for the AFC is both pronounced and undisputable as he says,
“I genuinely believe that the experience of being an Army Cadet changes many young lives for the better, without any obligation to join the Army. I would encourage anyone interested in either being a Cadet or an Adult Volunteer to get in touch through the army cadets website”.
Why Does Active Plus Regard This As A Perfect Partnership?
Red Moor School, a specialist provision near Lanlivery in Mid-Cornwall, provides specialist co-education for up to sixty children, between the ages of five and eighteen, who have social, emotional, mental health and communication difficulties – or associated behaviours that challenge.
In line with the Active Plus ethos, Red Moor school is determined to enable and empower every child to be the best versions of themselves. In fact, their mission is.
‘We are committed to raising achievement and enabling all students to achieve their full potential’
(Red Moor website)
It is therefore no surprise that the Active Plus team felt compelled to get involved in helping the school achieve just that!
On the day of the ceremony, Red Moor School Deputy Head, Sam Stevenson, reflected,
“This event has been such a fantastic advert for the cadets and for Red Moor School. The cadets, for these young people, have been completely life-changing, and many of them have gone on to join local cadet groups as a result, which is lovely to see. We cannot thank Ruth, Tom and everyone else involved for all of their help in making this happen, we are delighted with the partnership and cannot wait to see the group go from strength to strength”.
What Will Active Plus Bring?
Active Plus will assist in the school’s endeavours to help students – who are unable to achieve in a mainstream setting – to excel. We will be a valuable cog within a broad, balanced, engaging and extraordinarily rich curriculum which is delivered under a structured format with a nurturing approach.
The large building and extensive grounds are the perfect setting to accommodate the Active Plus course activities which will be led by our experienced team of Veteran Instructors who, just like the staff and students at Red Moor school, understand the value of being given a chance, and of being graced with understanding. Each Instructor can appreciate the power of being helped to break down complex barriers in order to be able to move forward in life with positivity, hope, and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe EVERY child has a place; EVERY child brings value.
It is our desire to build trust. Now, more than ever, it is important for our young members of society to build trust, not only in their own ability and worth, but also in the notion that there are people in this world who care, who strive to understand them as individuals as well as their needs, and who want to equip them with the life skills needed to live successfully within the community – to stand up and take their place.
We have the utmost respect for the Red Moor School values, which are
‘…to support their pupils so that they can make a manageable and meaningful successful transition to work, college, and adult life.’ Red Moor School
Active Plus are confident that our engaging, confidence building programme will deliver valuable content for staff and pupils alike.
Our Managing Director, Laura Truckle, emphasised our enthusiasm for the alliance,
“We are delighted to be at the very start of this journey with Lostwithiel (Red Moor School) Detachment. Our team of Veterans bring a wealth of skills and experience from their time in, and out of service. We are passionate about supporting people to become the best version of themselves and cannot wait to help the Cadets to achieve their full potential.”
We are both proud and excited to get this special collaborative effort underway!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated as to how our engagement with the pupils of Red Moor school unfolds!
Blog Post: Suzanne Body, Active Plus
Photo Credit: Emma Morgan, Red Moor School
