Liskeard’s youngest lifesavers take a bow at St John Ambulance

Ask a room full of parents whether they could restart someone’s heart and plenty would hesitate. Ask the young people of one Liskeard youth group and they will show you how it’s done.

That is exactly what happened when St John Ambulance Liskeard Youth Group held its annual presentation evening on Tuesday 13 October, celebrating the achievements of its Cadets and Badgers over the past 12 months.

The evening marked the hard work, dedication and progress of the group’s young members, along with the volunteers and families who help keep the group running.

📷Cadets being enrolled at the presentation evening. Credit: St John Ambulance

Lifesaving skills on show

Throughout the year, the Cadets and Badgers have been learning essential first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). On the night, they demonstrated those potentially lifesaving skills to their parents.

The Cadets also put their first aid on show at events in the local community, helping to raise awareness of why it matters.

During the evening, the Cadets were enrolled by County Commissioner Frances Griffiths, while the Badgers were enrolled by Margaret Watts, Network Youth Lead for East Cornwall.

📷Badgers with their certificates. Credit: St John Ambulance

Certificates and four special shields

Every Badger and Cadet received certificates for the subjects they had completed over the year. As Cadets progress through their training, they can earn Bronze, Silver and Gold awards before working towards the Grand Prior Award.

Four special shields were presented to recognise the commitment, dedication and contributions of the young members:

• Rowe Shield for the Most Hours: Annabelle Jeffery
• Julie Morley Shield: Joseph Adams and Lowenna Powell-Jones
• President’s Shield for the Most Helpful Cadet: Ellen Black
• President’s Shield for the Most Helpful Badger: Albert Hoppenbrowers

What the leaders said

Simon Ennor, County Youth Lead, said: “Well done to all the Cadets and Badgers who have received these fantastic awards. Their achievements are something to be proud of, and none of this would be possible without the help and support of our dedicated Youth Helpers and Leaders.

“St John Ambulance is currently recruiting Youth Helpers, Leaders and volunteers for other roles. If you would like to make a difference in your local community and help young people develop valuable skills, we would love to hear from you.”

Frances said: “It was an enormous privilege and pleasure to see so many enthusiastic, delightful young people enjoying the evening, demonstrating their skills and showing growing confidence in public speaking about the benefits of belonging to St John Ambulance Youth Hubs. We also greatly appreciate the support of their families.

“The excellent organisation, interactive fun activities and obvious commitment of the Youth Leads were also a joy to see.”

Fancy volunteering?

St John Ambulance offers young people the chance to learn practical first aid, build confidence, work as part of a team and give something back to their local communities. And it is looking for more adults to help, with Youth Helper and Leader roles among a range of volunteering opportunities.

Details of current roles are on the St John Ambulance volunteer opportunities page.

“Seeing how much everyone gets out of membership, we would encourage local people of all ages to join us,” Frances added. “While we warmly welcome those who have clinical skills or wish to develop them, community volunteering is also an available option for those who do not.”

📷Cadets and Badgers at the St John Ambulance Liskeard Youth Group presentation evening. Credit: St John Ambulance