News

Financial support available from Ulysses Trust for Cadets and Reserves

Expedition Shamrock Glacier

The Ulysses Trust has been in operation for 27 years and has raised over £3.3M.  This has allowed more than 37,000 people to participate in over 2,870 expeditions.  These have included sailing the Solent and walking in the Brecon Beacons, to climbing Mount Everest and crossing the Antarctic.

In 2019, expeditions included exercise Dragon Aphrodite’s Eagle.  This saw 47 Cadets from Derbyshire Army Cadet Force visit their parent Regiment 2^nd Battalion Mercian, who are based in Cyprus currently.  The trip included the opportunity to undertake a challenging walk in the Troodos Mountains and test their endurance through a mountain biking activity. The expedition also involved pony-trekking, which let them see the landscape from a different perspective.

Derbyshire ACF pony trekking in Cyprus

Personal Development

The Trust’s main aim is to support personal development and provide activities which will contribute to Reserves or Cadet recruitment, morale and retention.  It also aims to support the broader community, with particular emphasis on supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A recent survey highlighted Adventurous Training as one of the favourite activities offered by Cadets.  It is one of the unique elements which makes them stand out when recruiting.  The Ulysses Trust encourages units to organise the planning and logistics of the operations themselves.  In this way, they have the opportunity to develop key life skills, which is of benefit to both the instructors and those taking part.

The Trust’s 25^th Anniversary Appeal has the aim of raising £1.5M by the end of 2021.  In particular, it aims to increase the amount of support given to Cadet expeditions, and is about half-way there.  HRH The Prince of Wales has been the Charity’s Patron since it was first registered, and continues to provide support.

If your Reserve Unit or Cadet detachment is planning to do some adventure training, get in touch with The Ulysses Trust and see how they can provide support.