Trustees Invest £11,400 to Support Cadet Training Across the West Midlands
May 6th, 2026
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, volunteer Wing staff were invited to submit funding requests to support delivery within their areas of responsibility, ensuring investment aligns with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets training programme and local priorities.
One key area of investment is the introduction of drone training. A total of £2,000 has been allocated to purchase equipment that will enable delivery of the Blue and Bronze levels of the new drone syllabus.
This investment is expected to benefit around 192 cadets each year. Over a conservative five-year lifespan of the equipment, that equates to approximately 960 cadets gaining access to new and emerging technology skills.
In addition to drones, funding has been allocated to support:
- General training equipment
- First aid training and response materials
- Military skills equipment
- Adventure training, helping to subsidise access to activities
- Resources to better support cadets with additional needs
In addition to these areas, further funding will be allocated throughout the year to support priorities not included in the initial round.
West Mercian Wing supports 27 squadrons across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Black Country, and Cyprus.
While many activities within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets are supported at public expense, local squadron charities, overseen by trustees, play a vital role in funding additional equipment, experiences, and opportunities tailored to their communities.
This Wing-level investment also helps reduce pressure on individual squadrons, enabling their own trustee teams to focus on local priorities while benefiting from shared resources across the Wing.
Ryan Phillips, Chair of Trustees, West Mercian Wing, said:
“This funding is about making sure our cadets continue to benefit from high-quality, relevant training across the Wing. By investing in areas like drone technology and first aid, we’re not only supporting the current syllabus but also preparing young people with skills that are increasingly important for the future.
Our trustees work behind the scenes to make this possible, and we’re always keen to welcome new people who want to support young people in their community, whether that’s by helping oversee funding or contributing to wider fundraising efforts.”
The Wing is also looking to expand its fundraising capability and is currently seeking to appoint a new volunteer trustee to lead on income generation, helping to secure additional funding to further enhance opportunities for cadets. More information about this role can be found here.
Wing and local squadron volunteers, deliver a wide range of activities throughout the year, helping cadets develop leadership, confidence, and practical skills in a structured and supportive environment.
Wing Commander Ross McElligott, Volunteer Officer Commanding West Mercian Wing said:
“The support of our trustees is essential to delivering the breadth and quality of training our cadets experience. This funding allows our volunteer staff to plan and deliver activities with confidence, knowing they have the resources to do so effectively. It directly translates into more opportunities, better equipment, and an even stronger experience for our cadets.”
Get Involved
West Mercian Wing is encouraging members of the community to get involved in supporting local cadets.
About the Royal Air Force Air Cadets
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) is one of the United Kingdom’s largest youth organisations, sponsored by the Royal Air Force. It is formed by both the Air Training Corps and Royal Air Force sections of the Combined Cadet Force, supporting young people aged 12 to 19 through aviation-inspired activities, leadership training, adventure training, and community engagement.
While core activities are supported at public expense, local squadrons rely on charitable fundraising and trustees to provide additional equipment, activities, and opportunities tailored to their communities. In 2026, the RAF Air Cadets celebrates its 85th anniversary.
All squadrons are run by volunteers. Those able to commit as little as around 12 hours a year may support as trustees, helping oversee governance and fundraising, while those with more time can work directly with cadets as instructors or staff. No military background is required for either role.
About West Mercian Wing RAF Air Cadets
West Mercian Wing supports 27 squadrons across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Black Country, and Cyprus.
Around 180 trustees work alongside 300 uniformed and civilian volunteers to provide governance, financial oversight, and fundraising support. Collectively, they contribute approximately 80,000 volunteer hours each year to enable and deliver opportunities for young people.
Through this combined effort, trustees enable volunteers to deliver the cadet experience – supporting everything from training and activities to equipment, camps, and community engagement across the Wing.