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
- Wrekin Air Cadets Celebrate Growth and New Leadership
1130 (Wrekin) Squadron has held its Annual General Meeting, celebrating a year of growth, community engagement, and renewed momentum from its Board of Trustees. At the meeting, Rebecca Zacharek was re-elected for a second term as Chair, alongside the election of new Treasurer Gemma Smitherman-Dack. Rebecca Zacharek, Chair of Trustees 1130 (Wrekin) Squadron said: “Our… Read more: Wrekin Air Cadets Celebrate Growth and New Leadership - Oswestry Air Cadets Celebrate Successful Year
1165 (Oswestry) Squadron has held its Annual General Meeting, reflecting on a year of achievement, investment, and expanded opportunities for local cadets. At the meeting, Chair Andy Mayne, Treasurer Harriet Egerton-Davies, and Secretary Nadine Wilde were all re-elected to continue leading the squadron’s connected charity and supporting its ongoing development. The squadron has also recently… Read more: Oswestry Air Cadets Celebrate Successful Year - Ludlow Air Cadets Celebrate Success and Seek Support
Annual meeting highlights achievements and need for trustees 333 (Ludlow) Squadron has held its Annual General Meeting alongside its latest awards evening, celebrating the achievements of its cadets while highlighting the need for additional community support. The event saw a full hall of parents and carers come together to recognise cadet success, with certificates and… Read more: Ludlow Air Cadets Celebrate Success and Seek Support - Leominster Air Cadets Celebrate Community Support at Annual Meeting
151 (Leominster) Squadron has marked another successful year of supporting young people, with strong fundraising, community engagement, and continued volunteer commitment highlighted at its recent Annual General Meeting. The meeting brought together trustees, parents, carers, and local representatives to reflect on the squadron’s progress and the impact it continues to have within the community. New… Read more: Leominster Air Cadets Celebrate Community Support at Annual Meeting - 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