St John Ambulance is delivering a Community Advocate Programme to support community groups and social networks across Teesside. Their volunteer Community Advocates aim to deliver FREE, one-hour sessions, that will help individuals become more aware of the importance of first aid, prepare them for emergency situations by providing life-saving skills, and give them the confidence to help others.
The sessions are informal, with no assessment, prior learning, or practical elements, so it is inclusive for all. Their brilliant team of Advocates will deliver the sessions either virtually, or in person, when sector guidance and Covid-19 restrictions permit. We have held sessions in community centres, youth group buildings and faith meeting places.
Whilst the sessions are not part of any formal accredited training, participants will receive a Recognition of Attendance certificate. Their key message is that everyone will go away feeling confident that they are able to help others with some basic skills and provide support in those critical moments. They are strong believers that the sessions go beyond first aid skills, and can help reduce isolation, by giving participants the opportunity to become more connected with local services.
Participants may also be interested in becoming a Community Advocate themselves, where they will receive certified First Aid training to deliver sessions themselves to their local community networks.
Through connecting with local charities, organisations, and councils, we can work together to build a resilient, confident, and knowledgeable community across Teesside. They have already had some amazing stories about an older person treating a friend with a suspected heart attack, and a young parent being confident to call 999 when their child was unresponsive. These sessions can make all the difference.
For more information please email Adam Greenwood, Community Operations Coordinator at Adam.Greenwood@sja.org.uk or call 07971 792092