St John Ambulance – Warrington
People: Supporting young people to fulfil their potential
Our vision is that more young people will become active health citizens and healthcare professionals. We help them learn first aid through practical experience in their local communities.
About this cause
From helping young people become the healthcare professionals of tomorrow, to world-class training, St John Ambulance empowers people of all ages with lifesaving skills and the confidence to use them, every day. St John Ambulance’s youth groups for 5–18 year olds bring young people together; teaching them lifesaving skills and building friendships that last a lifetime. We show young people how to act under pressure, work as part of a team and develop their leadership skills. The cost of enabling just one young person to learn first aid, build their confidence and gain important life skills is £424. This includes learning first aid and volunteering at events; engaging in social action and helping their local community; and learning about health and wellbeing.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Research carried out by the UK Youth Movement highlighted key issues of increased mental health concerns, loneliness, isolation, higher risk of engaging in gangs, substance misuse and a lack of safe spaces at home and outside. Our youth groups bring young people together, facilitating social interactions and skills which makes young people more employable and develop greater leadership skills. They develop skills through our leadership courses and can become a Peer Educator to help teach others first aid. We can help to unlock the potential of young people, laying the foundations so they can build a bright future for themselves, as highly skilled lifesavers, and help them develop greater personal resilience, confidence and connection.