St John Ambulance Launches Urgent Appeal for Hoddesdon Youth Programme Volunteers
National first aid charity St John Ambulance has issued a heartfelt appeal for enthusiastic adults and local families to bolster its youth initiatives in Hoddesdon. The charity's Cadet and Badger units, centrally located in Hoddesdon town centre, are in immediate need of four dedicated adult volunteers to step into youth leadership roles. This call to action aims to sustain and expand the vital programmes that nurture young people's skills and confidence.
Opportunities for Young People and Adults Alike
In addition to recruiting adult leaders, St John Ambulance warmly invites children and teenagers to join its weekly sessions. The Badgers unit welcomes young people aged five to 10, while the Cadets cater to those aged 11 to 17. These groups provide a friendly, supportive environment where participants can engage in meaningful activities and learn invaluable lifesaving skills.
Weekly Meeting Schedule:
- Badgers: Thursdays from 5:50 PM to 7:10 PM, term-time only.
- Cadets: Thursdays from 6:45 PM to 8:30 PM, term-time only.
Programme Highlights and Benefits
Cadets delve into comprehensive first aid training and participate in a diverse array of activities designed to foster confidence, leadership, and overall wellbeing. Many cadets strive for the prestigious Grand Prior's Award, the highest accolade within the St John Cadet framework. Meanwhile, Badgers enjoy fun, age-appropriate activities that include introductory first aid lessons and creative challenges as part of the Super Badger Award.
Youth leaders are instrumental in guiding these young individuals as they evolve into confident first aiders. Importantly, no prior first aid knowledge or volunteering experience is required. St John Ambulance provides full training, encompassing first aid instruction and safeguarding protocols. All prospective volunteers must be at least 18 years old and undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, aligning with the charity's stringent youth safeguarding standards.
Making a Tangible Difference in the Community
Becoming a Youth Leader offers a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation, develop transferable skills, and contribute significantly to the local community. Sarah King, network youth lead for the St John Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon network, emphasised the importance of volunteer support: "Our Hoddesdon youth units are welcoming spaces where young people thrive, but we can only do this with the support of amazing adult volunteers. Whether you’re looking to give back, build new skills, or help your own child get involved, we’d love to talk to you."
Adults interested in applying for Youth Leader positions and families wishing to register their children for the Badgers or Cadets programmes are encouraged to reach out directly. For further details, inquiries can be directed to the provided contact email.
