First aid charity’s cadet call
ST JOHN Ambulance is looking for adult volunteers to be youth leaders at its cadet unit in Southport.
The cadets are aged 10 to 17 and meet weekly to learn basic life saving skills and to work towards their Grand Prior Award – the highest award a cadet can achieve.
Kerrie Gleave, district youth lead at the first aid charity, said: “We’re not asking people to give huge amounts of time but one evening a week and the odd weekend can make a real difference.
“Potential volunteers don’t need to have previous experience of youth work or first aid as full training is given.”
Kerrie, 27, has been a volunteer with the charity since she joined as a cadet at the age of 13 and wants others to enjoy the same experiences. She said: “My mum was keen for me to learn first aid, so much so that she dropped me off at our local cadet unit one evening when I was 13 and that was that.
“When I started I was really shy and barely spoke to anyone but the youth leader at the time really encouraged me and sent me on a youth leadership course.
“I came back from that course brimming with confidence and I honestly have never looked back.
“I was soon going out on duty, providing first aid at events.
“In 2009 I took on the role of a youth unit manager and worked on building up the unit.
“It was hard work but incredibly fulfilling to see young people growing in confidence and learning some amazing skills.
“Now, in addition to volunteering with the charity, I also work for St John Ambulance as a trainer and do a lot of work in schools, training first aid.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by good leaders who have given me so much encouragement and now I have the chance to do the same for others.
“The role of youth leader is a really worthwhile role, supporting young people in our communities and allowing them to learn how to save lives.
“These children and teenagers could be the life savers of the future.”
For more information about volunteering as an adult helper with the cadets, visit the sja.org.uk website and search vacancies.