Eighty Sea Cadets stepped aboard HMS Belfast for The Big Help Out (6 June), taking part in a unique day of hands-on learning with the volunteers who keep the ship’s stories alive.
Across two sessions, cadets explored the historic warship alongside Imperial War Museums (IWM) volunteer guides, discovering what life was like for sailors at sea and the strong sense of community that defined the original crew. They also heard first-hand accounts from former Royal Navy submariner and ex–Sea Cadet Mike Allen, bringing lived experience to life and connecting past service with future ambition.
As part of the day, cadets took part in a creative workshop where they produced self-portraits, brought together to form a new ‘HMS Belfast crew’ – a modern, diverse reflection of the ship’s company, reimagined by today’s generation. The activity encouraged young people to reflect on who they are, what they’ve experienced and where they could go next, turning a visit to a historic warship into a moment of personal connection and aspiration.
The event formed part of The Big Help Out, marking the end of Volunteers’ Week and highlighting the role of volunteering in preserving history, strengthening communities, and helping young people build confidence and skills for life.
Sea Cadets Chief Executive, Guy Holloway, said:
“Sea Cadets is about helping young people grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork. On HMS Belfast, they’re not just seeing history — they’re learning directly from volunteers who are passionate about preserving it. That connection between generations reflects everything we stand for and shows young people what they’re capable of.”
The visit highlighted:
- The role of volunteers in bringing history to life through lived experience
- The power of intergenerational storytelling in engaging young people
- The confidence and leadership skills developed through Sea Cadets
- How creative activities can help young people see themselves in history
