Page 22 - Thrapston Life September 2023

LIVE-SAVERS
St John Ambulance
September will be an exciting month for St John Ambulance in Thrapston. After many years of absence from the town we are re- opening a cadet unit for young people aged 11 to 17 years.
Thrapston was for a long time a key part of our Northamptonshire network of services. Badger and Cadet units ran for a many years from our old building in The Bullring providing activities for young people, encouraging them to learn vital first aid skills whilst having fun and providing a number of first aid confident adults to support our other services such as event first aid cover, logistics support, ambulance operations, training provision and most importantly youth leaders to run our future youth provision.
Sadly, our old building in the Bullring has been deemed as no longer fit for purpose; but luckily Thrapston Town Council have been keen to support the reintroduction of the cadet unit and have agreed that we can operate from The
It’s amazing to see people from different backgrounds all coming together and getting along. It’s really nice to see kids picking up the skills that you and your team have taught them. That’s pretty special. If you’re looking for something that’s worthwhile and rewarding, just do it.
To find out more email charmaine.bale@sja.org.uk, scan the QR code below or go to https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-roles/youth-team/
SCAN TO FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING IN THRAPSTON
Plaza. Sessions will run on Monday evenings during term time from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.
As well as learning first aid skills that they can use in their homes, schools and communities, young people get a chance to develop their leadership, teamworking, communication and resilience skills whilst studying for their Grand Prior Award. This award is a series of topics where cadets learn about the history of the Order of St John (an ancient order of chivalry dating back to the middle ages) as well as new skills to showcase their abilities in competitions and challenges. Cadets also take part in Adventure Camps and can complete their Duke of Edinburgh Awards with us.
It is hoped in time that we will also be able to re-open a Badger Unit (for young people aged 5 to 10 years) and that both Cadets and Badgers will become a familiar sight again at community events in the area, ready to step in and provide emergency care to those in need.
Young people in the area wanting to join the waiting list for a place at the unit can go to https:// www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/young-people/ cadets-ages-10-17/ to register their interest.
We are especially keen to hear from adults who would be prepared to help at our youth sessions; no prior experience is needed as full training is provided. Ideally, we are looking for people who can commit to a couple of hours each week but any time that can be given to help us would be appreciated. No previous first aid knowledge is needed, nor any experience of working with children and young people; what is essential is a sense of fun along with a desire to grow and development around energetic, enthusiastic young people.
Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities to volunteer with St John Ambulance can visit our web page at www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer- opportunities/volunteer-roles/youth-team/
How can you make
life-savers out of
teenagers? Ask me
Rob, Youth Leader
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