Connaught Trust Funding Helps Bring New Climbing Opportunities to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force
- Aug 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Thanks to grant funding from The Connaught Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force has been able to retrofit its Mobile Climbing Tower with new auto belay systems, making climbing activities more accessible and enabling even more cadets to take part safely and confidently.
The new auto belay system has also allowed Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) to be trained to operate the Mobile Climbing Tower following a two-day qualification course, increasing the county's capacity to deliver adventurous training to young people.
One of the first volunteers to complete the training was CSgt Kieren Sly, who wasted no time in putting his new qualification into practice.
Following his qualification in November, CSgt Sly organised a climbing activity weekend within his company, delivering climbing sessions to more than 60 cadets over two days. Cadets, ranging from Basic Training Cadets through to 2-Star level, learned how to correctly fit climbing harnesses, safely use the new auto belay system and develop the fundamental techniques needed for climbing.
The introduction of the auto belay system proved to be an immediate success. It enabled cadets to climb at their own pace while building confidence in both the equipment and their own abilities. Throughout the weekend, cadets became increasingly engaged, motivated and confident as they developed new skills and challenged themselves on the climbing wall.
Reflecting on the experience, CSgt Sly said:
"The activity not only provided a valuable opportunity for personal development and teamwork, but also inspired several cadets to pursue climbing as an external hobby outside of cadet activities. Overall, the climbing days were highly successful and demonstrated the positive impact that the new auto belay system can have on cadet participation, confidence and enjoyment."
The Connaught Trust is proud to support projects that give cadets new opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork through adventurous training. By investing in equipment such as the new auto belay system, we are helping more young people experience challenging activities in a safe and supportive environment, while also increasing the number of qualified volunteers able to deliver them for years to come.
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