‘It could be the difference between a life lost or saved’ – St John Ambulance group to open in Royston

Youngsters are set to be able to learn life-saving skills when a new group opens in Royston.

The town’s St John Ambulance unit is looking for children between five and 10 to become volunteers at a new badger sett, which will be based in Newmarket Road.

Badgers are the youngest volunteers for the first aid charitable organisation and can work towards completing their Super Badger Award.

The programme includes learning 12 subjects ranging from creative and active to healthy and caring, helping young people to learn important life skills in a fun and safe environment.

The Royston cadet corps is also on the lookout for new recruits aged from 10 to 17, who can learn the skills needed to save a life.

Cadets are guided by youth leaders through games and activities to work towards their Grand Prior Award.

An open evening to find out more is planned for January 13.

Lee Taylor, the St John Ambulance area manager with responsibility for the Royston unit, said: “We’re hoping to expand our presence in Royston with the opening of a badger sett for the town’s youngsters. I know of several occasions when young people under 10 years of age have been able to assist with incidents, so it really is true that you are never too young to learn first aid and save a life.

“The training we give them is not only fun but also highly practical, equipping them with many essential life skills and giving them the potential to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”

Badgers will meet on Tuesday evenings between 6pm and 7.15pm each week, before the cadets come together from 7.30pm to 9pm. Email lee.taylor@sja.org.uk or visit www.sja.org.ukor for more information.