An Aldridge volunteer, who has worked tirelessly to promote positive mental health with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, was shortlisted for West Midlands Thrive Mental Health Superstar 2020.
Flight Lieutenant Laura Horobin, Commanding Officer at 425 (Aldridge) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, was shortlisted at the awards ceremony on 29th January at the West Midlands Combined Authority event. The Thrive Awards celebrate the people, teams or organisations who have made a significant contribution to improving mental health in their area. Laura, who works as a Hazadous Area Response Team Paramedic, was nominated in the individual category for the Black Country area. She thrives on her volunteer youth work with the Air Cadets and is passionate about the mental health and well-being of the young people in her care. She has gone above and beyond her role as a volunteer. She is an unsung hero.
"I have done my mental health first aid with work and also volunteer as part of the SALS team which offers an ear to listen and signpost services" she said. Laura is attuned to the signals that point to mental health issues of her cadets and staff and implements early intervention by encouraging those in her care to talk to her confidentially at any time. She totally understands what is important to people who experience mental health issues and involves cadets and staff in decisions to promote and empower positive self-validation and well-being for a positive state of mental health.
"A massive congratulations to our Boss Flight Lieutenant Horobin" said Sergeant Ian Sweet at 425 (Aldridge) Squadron RAF Air Cadets "who was shortlisted in the Mental Health Awards and her great work within the community. Well deserved, Ma`am!" The Air Cadets are not a recruiting organisation for the Royal Air Force. The volunteers who give up two nights a week and their weekends for local young people are not interested in anything but young people`s potential. Equality, diversity and inclusivity is a central part of the Air Cadets` ethic. The Air Cadets meet in Station Road in Aldridge twice a week.
"The cadet experience is open to anyone" explained Flight Lieutenant Horobin "so whatever a young person`s background, religion, gender or ability then providing they are aged between 12 when beginning school year 8 and 17 years old they can be a cadet".
As Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Horobin is sensitive to the signals of those in her care who are struggling emotionally or wondering if they should seek intervention. She guides teenagers and staff to the right services. Laura is a positive role model and inspires young people who enjoy and thrive on the activities she organises which embolden their self-esteem, teamwork, identity and belonging, outdoor pursuits, sports, community engagement, learning and development as individuals at every opportunity within a safe, mutually supportive environment which is non-discriminatory but champions diversity and inclusivity.
The number of staff and cadets under Laura`s welfare - plus the awards the young people earn - are proof of their training and provides evidence-based, proven and validated proof Laura Horobin is an unsung hero. For further information - www.425sqn.org or email oc.425@aircadets.org.
