Cadets look at darker side of life

The Opportunity Youth sessions looked at every aspect of substance abuse, from easy temptations to addiction and also sources of help and advice.

Staff Sergeant Instructor Neville Lawther said, “We’re always looking for ways for our Cadets to extend their understanding of relevant social issues and this training from Opportunity Youth seemed particularly appropriate and in tune with the problems facing all young people today.

“None of us with an interest in the welfare and happiness of teens likes to think that alcohol or substance abuse will ever touch their lives but we would be fooling ourselves if we ignored the risks and temptations.

“The best protection we can offer is to equip our young people with the facts and the maturity to make wise decisions. I firmly believe that the self-confidence and discipline which the Cadet movement instils are enormously important in this respect and, increasingly, we are adding new skills and learning experiences to our Cadet curriculum.”

Lurgan Open Cadet Detachment starts back after the Summer recess on Wednesday, August 31, starting at 6.45 and finishing at 9pm. New recruits – aged between twelve and a half and eighteen – are welcome.