Support the next generation of life savers in Wiltshire

The nation’s leading first aid charity needs volunteers to support the next generation of life savers in Wiltshire.

Youth leaders and managers are needed for St John Ambulance’s Badger and Cadet units in Melksham and Westbury.

Dave Christophers, youth manager for the charity in the South West said, “Ideally, we would like people interested in working with our young volunteers to help them learn first aid and other new skills.

“The programme is so varied – from photography to cooking and map reading – that people can bring life experiences and knowledge to the organisation without having any prior first aid knowledge.

“We provide full training in life saving techniques that can be passed on to the next generation of first aiders and there is also the opportunity to study for qualifications in youth work.”

Badger setts are for five to 10-year-olds and Cadet units cover the ages of 10 to 18.

Dave added, ‘We are not asking people to give huge amounts of their time – just one evening a week can make so much of a difference.

“Learning first aid is an important thing at any time of life but teaching children and teenagers equips them to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved from a young age. It also builds their confidence, teaches them new skills and puts something back into the community.”

For more information on St John Ambulance’s work, including how to become a volunteer and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit: www.sja.org.uk/supportingyouth, call 08700 10 49 50 or email Dave Christophers: South-west-youth@sja.org.uk