Workington Teenager Appointed Cumbria’s First High Sheriff’s Police Cadet
A Workington teenager has made history after becoming Cumbria’s first High Sheriff’s Police Cadet, creating a stronger voice for young people across the county.
Lucy Forster, who is part of Workington Police Cadets, has been appointed to accompany High Sheriff Shirley Fawcett at events throughout Cumbria. The new role is intended to help highlight issues affecting young people and encourage greater engagement with communities across the county. Forster was selected in recognition of her dedication to fundraising and community support, demonstrating the contribution young volunteers can make through public service and local initiatives.
The appointment represents a new opportunity for young people to be represented during civic engagements and community events. By working alongside the High Sheriff, Forster will be able to help bring attention to matters affecting younger residents and highlight the importance of listening to their experiences. The role also provides a platform for recognising the work carried out by youth organisations and volunteers who contribute to community life across Cumbria.
Forster's selection follows a successful period with Cumbria's police cadet programme, where young people take part in activities designed to develop confidence, responsibility and an understanding of policing. Cadets participate in community initiatives and events while learning about the law and the work carried out by police officers and staff. The programme also encourages teamwork, communication and positive relationships between young people and the communities they serve.
Her commitment to fundraising and community support was among the reasons she was chosen for the new position. Voluntary work can help young people develop practical skills while giving them opportunities to contribute to causes that matter locally. Forster's appointment recognises those efforts and places her in a position to continue supporting community engagement through her work with the High Sheriff. Her role is also expected to help demonstrate the value of youth participation in civic life.
Forster was recently named Cadet of the Year at Cumbria Constabulary's Annual Citizens in Policing Awards. The recognition celebrated her contribution to the cadet programme and added to her achievements before taking up the new countywide role. The awards highlight the efforts of people who support policing and community safety, including volunteers and young cadets. Her latest appointment builds on that recognition and reflects the commitment she has shown through her involvement in the programme.
High Sheriff Shirley Fawcett will be accompanied by Forster at events across the county during the appointment. The engagements will provide opportunities to meet community representatives, support local activities and draw attention to issues affecting residents. The High Sheriff is a ceremonial county role with a long history, and its modern responsibilities include supporting community initiatives and recognising people who contribute to public life. Forster's involvement adds a youth perspective to these activities.
The appointment also marks a milestone for Cumbria because Forster joins the county's first-ever all-female High Sheriff's team. The development highlights the contribution of women and girls to public service and community leadership across the county. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of young people who take on responsibilities within voluntary organisations. The new team brings together its members to support civic events and community engagement during the High Sheriff's year in office.
Cumbria's Volunteer Police Cadets programme offers young people aged between 13 and 17 an introduction to policing and other public services. Participants receive guidance from police officers, staff and trained volunteers while taking part in drills, inspections, neighbourhood policing initiatives and community activities. The scheme is designed to help young people develop interpersonal skills, confidence and a sense of responsibility, while building positive relationships between the police and the public.
The programme also encourages cadets to become involved in social action and volunteering beyond their regular sessions. Through community events and local initiatives, participants can gain experience of working with different groups and supporting people in their area. These opportunities can help young people understand the responsibilities associated with public service and develop skills that are useful in education, employment and future volunteering. Forster's appointment illustrates how involvement in a cadet programme can lead to wider opportunities to contribute to the community.
The High Sheriff's Police Cadet role is intended to give young people a more visible presence in countywide civic activities. By attending events with Fawcett, Forster can help highlight the experiences and concerns of younger residents while representing the work of the police cadet programme. Her involvement may also encourage other young people to explore volunteering and community service, particularly those interested in policing, leadership or supporting local organisations.
Forster's achievement has brought recognition to Workington and the wider Cumbria cadet movement. Her progression from local cadet activities to a countywide representative role demonstrates the opportunities available to young volunteers who show commitment to supporting others. The appointment also underlines the importance of involving younger generations in community conversations and public events, ensuring their perspectives can form part of wider discussions about local priorities.
As she begins her new responsibilities, Forster will work alongside the High Sheriff at events across Cumbria and help raise awareness of issues affecting young people. Her appointment combines recognition of her previous community work with an opportunity to make a wider contribution throughout the county. The milestone provides a positive example of youth participation in civic life and highlights the role that volunteering can play in developing confidence, leadership and a lasting commitment to public service.
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