Scheme to ‘create next generation of lifesavers’ sees over 26,000 trained in first aid

A year-long scheme run by Wales’ leading first aid charity saw over 26,000 people trained in communities across Wales.

A grant of £36,000 was awarded to St John Cymru by the Morrisons Foundation, to help create the next generation of lifesavers from September 2017 to August 2018.

The income allowed St John Cymru to fund two dedicated community trainers; one full-time and the other, on a part time basis.

In total over 244 community training sessions were held across the year and saw schools and communities from both North and South Wales learn essential first aid skills such as; how to manage an incident, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treating an unresponsive casualty, bleeding and choking.

Jon Phillips, director of training at St John Cymru said: “With the support of the Morrisons Foundation we were able to train 26,305 people in vital first aid, superseding our target of 17,000 for the year.

“Our training has been shown to equip potential lifesavers not only with first aid skills but other valuable and transferable skills such as; confidence and team work.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Morrisons Foundation for helping us work towards creating the next generation of lifesavers in Wales,” he added.

St John Cymru is celebrating 100 years of being there for people across Wales. The organisation firmly believes first aid is for everyone and continues to strive towards achieving its goal of ‘a first aider in every home’ in Wales.

The Morrisons Foundation supports charities making a positive difference in local communities. Since launching in 2015 the Morrisons Foundation has donated over £18m to help good causes across England, Scotland and Wales.

More information about St John Cymru and its community training can be found here or call 0345 678 5646.