Make a difference for young people
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets is a national youth organisation primarily delivered by volunteers and trustees. Operating across six regions and thirty-four wings, it offers young people aged 12–20 life-changing opportunities. From flying and gliding to leadership, adventure training, and community projects, cadets build skills and confidence that last a lifetime.
West Mercian Wing supports 27 squadrons across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Black Country, and Cyprus.
The vast majority of the RAF Air Cadets is funded through public money, which covers the core organisation and many national activities. However, the additional opportunities that make each squadron unique – from extra equipment and specialist skills to local activities and experiences – are enabled through local support and charitable contributions.
Why support matters
- Enable life-enhancing experiences
- Support grassroots youth development close to home
- Help sustain vibrant community groups in your local community
- Showcase your organisation as a supporter of young people’s futures
Ways to support
Repurpose your devices
Squadrons often need usable laptops, PCs, or tablets. If your organisation is refreshing tech, donating retired but working devices can help young people access training resources. A licence fee of £30 per device can also be donated to enable the devices to be repurposed into Chromebooks for local cadets.
Offer pro bono expertise
Local businesses can support squadrons by offering skills such as:
- Flyer or poster printing
- IT or website support
- Fundraising strategy support
Partnership and sponsorship
You can partner with one or more squadrons to support specific activities or events. This could include occasional sponsorship, employee fundraising activities, or collaborative community events.
Advisory support
If you have expertise in governance, finance, volunteer recruitment and retention, fundraising, or community engagement, you may support the Wing in a pro bono advisory capacity.
Volunteer time
Support doesn’t have to be financial – offering time to help with events and community engagement can make a big difference too.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us
Still unsure? Want to discuss it before committing? Or live outside our Wing but want to support elsewhere in the RAF Air Cadets?
Related news
- Trustees Invest £11,400 to Support Cadet Training Across the West Midlands
West Mercian Wing Trustees have allocated £11,400 of charitable funding to support cadet training and activities across the area for the 2026/27 training year. The funding, overseen by the Wing’s volunteer trustee board, will support a range of activities delivered by volunteer instructors, helping to enhance opportunities for cadets beyond core provision. Earlier this year,… Read more: Trustees Invest £11,400 to Support Cadet Training Across the West Midlands - Halesowen Air Cadets Strengthen Community Links at Annual General Meeting
223 (Halesowen) Squadron has celebrated another successful year of supporting young people, while strengthening its ties within the local community. The squadron recently held its Annual General Meeting, bringing together volunteers, trustees, and representatives from a range of local organisations to reflect on the past year’s achievements and look ahead to the future. The meeting… Read more: Halesowen Air Cadets Strengthen Community Links at Annual General Meeting - Market Drayton Air Cadet Raises £5,300 in 100km Challenge
Local Air Cadet completes 100km challenge to support his squadron and future young people - Trustees’ Week 2025: Celebrating the People Behind the Cadet Experience
Trustees’ Week 2025 provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of trustees across West Mercian Wing. Across our 27 squadrons, around 180 trustees give their time, skills, and experience to support the RAF Air Cadets. Their work often takes place behind the scenes – attending meetings, making decisions, managing finances, and ensuring… Read more: Trustees’ Week 2025: Celebrating the People Behind the Cadet Experience