A LEADING first aid charity is urging volunteers to step forward to create the next generation of life-savers in Bridgwater.

St John Ambulance wants to set up after-school and college clubs to teach youngsters first aid and life saving techniques.

Dave Christophers, youth manager for the charity in the South-West, said: “We’re looking at setting up groups, thanks to legacy donations and successful fundraising bids, and I would be very interested in hearing from teachers or lecturers who would be interested in St John Ambulance after-school clubs or college societies.”

Dave stressed that volunteers do not necessarily need previous first aid experience and full training is given in life-saving techniques with the opportunity for volunteers to study toward qualifications in youth work.

He continued: “The programme is so varied – from photography to cooking and map reading – that people can bring life experiences and knowledge to the organisation without having any prior first aid knowledge.

“We are not asking people to give huge amounts of their time – just one evening a week can make so much of a difference.

Dave added: “Learning first aid is an important thing at any time of life but teaching children and teenagers equips them to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved from a young age.

“It also builds their confidence, teaches them new skills and puts something back into the community.”

For more information visit www.sja.org.uk/supportingyouth call 08700 10 49 50 or email Dave Christophers South-west-youth@sja.org.uk