The competition winners came together on March 27th, alongside the volunteer Badger and Cadet Leaders who had also been nominated for awards for their work with young people across Wales. After meeting at the first aid charity’s HQ in Cardiff, a special presentation was held at the iconic Principality Stadium.
St John Ambulance Cymru’s Cadet and Badger programmes support young people aged 5-17 across Wales to enhance their leadership and communication skills, make friends and learn lifesaving first aid. Each year, individuals compete in regional and national competitions, hoping to represent other Badgers and Cadets in their areas and pan Wales.
As part of the national competitions, the young people created projects linked to their Badger and Cadet topics, which were judged by a St John Ambulance Cymru panel. The final stage of the competitions took place in Llandrindod Wells, where individuals took part in first aid challenges to show off their skills.
Following the competition, 16-year-old Ali Webb from Loughor Division was awarded the Cadet of the Year for 2024 and 15-year-old Bethan Jones from Deeside Division was named the Deputy. Ali and Bethan will use their voices to fairly represent other Cadets, helping to shape the Cadet experience for all.
Alexandra O’Connor from Pontypridd and Trehopcyn Division was named the charity’s official Badger of the Year, with Mia Wyn Evans from Cardigan Division as Deputy. Both members are aged 10 and can’t wait to get stuck-in with lots of exciting new ideas for Badger challenges.
Rhys Probert, Young Peoples Development Officer at St John Ambulance Cymru, commented; “We are so proud of all the young people who took part in the Badger and Cadet of the Year Competitions this year. We had such a high standard from everyone who entered, and it was a joy to hear about all their ideas.
“We can’t wait to see how Ali, Bethan, Alexandra and Mia help us develop and improve our programmes for children and young people across Wales this year. Congratulations to our winners and to everyone else who took part!”
As well as working with the Children and Young People Team at St John Ambulance Cymru to improve the overall experience for young volunteers and promote their work, the competition winners will also attend a variety of events, meeting members from across Wales and ensuring the perspective of children and young people is heard across the charity’s work.
To find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru’s Badger and Cadet programmes, please visit www.sjacymru.org.uk/young-people.
