Share:

The Friends Trust

The Friends is a registered charity that supports The Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force.

We aim to remove barriers to engagement, full participation and progression for Cadets and Adult Volunteers, thereby enabling the development of skills and personal attributes that enhance the lives of all those who pass through our local Army Cadet Force.

The Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadet Force is one of the UK’s oldest, largest and most successful youth organisations.

 

Click here to visit the National ACF website

  • Access to Education and Employment Bursaries

    There is funding available to help remove barriers for those Army Cadets and/or Adult Volunteers of the Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force wishing to engage with education and/or employment. This Bursary is non-repayable and is aimed at those needing extra support to maximise their potential in education and/or to gain meaningful employment in a career of their choice.

    There is a second Bursary, specifically designed for Cadets and/or Adult Volunteers who wish to study at the University of Staffordshire.

    This can be used to reduce the amount of Student Loan needed, to buy learning materials such as books and software required by the Higher Education programme or equipment such as a laptop and/or printer. The choice is left to the individual ACF/University Student. This Bursary does not have to be repaid, subject to simple and transparent conditions, so the benefits will last a lifetime.

    To apply for either of these loans, simply click the link below or, better still, speak to your Detachment Commander.

     

    Apply For A Bursary

     

  • The Friends Annual Dinner

    Each year, the Friends Trust hosts a special fundraising event, our Friends Annual Dinner. This special occasion takes the form of a Dinner, run similar to military protocols and traditions, complete with guests wearing either Mess Dress, with medals, or black tie and posh frocks. Regimental Silverware adorns the dinner tables where guests are treated to an excellent multi-course meal, with wine or soft drinks, whilst enjoying presentations from serving Cadets.

    This event is much more than a dinner. The evening includes a performance by the Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Corps of Drums, one the best Corps of Drums in the Country. The presentations by Cadets focus on their personal experiences in our cadet force and the impact it has had on their lives

    There is always an after-dinner Guest Speaker of either national or local prominence, and we have a photographer on hand to take pictures during the evening. You can see some of these images from past dinners within the Gallery section of this website. We also have a silent auction and raffle for quality prizes to help us raise the funds we need to support our local Army Cadet Force. All of the money raised goes to our local Cadet Force without any administrative reductions. Places are always in demand and limited for this unique event, so please book early to avoid disappointment. All details, when they are released, can be found in the ‘Events’ tab on this website along with details of all other events the Friends Trustees organise.