About Us

The University of Essex St John Ambulance LINKS society was formed in 2003 with the aim to provide students at Essex University with the opportunity to become involved in St John Ambulance. We became a fully-fledged St John Ambulance unit ready for the 2004 academic year. The unit now covers three duties a week and all large scale events on campus (such as the alumni sporting weekend and the Summerball) and regularly receives interest from over 200 people at freshers fair.

The formation of LINKS at Essex

LINKS, as the student wing of St John Ambulance, was formed in 1995 to allow existing members to continue first aid and training whilst at university. However, it quickly became clear that LINKS was able to encourage an entirely new group of volunteers to our work.

We provide our members with first aid training to enable them to provide first aid cover to the Students’ Union and university at various events (for instance Wednesday afternoon sports and weekend night time entertainments). We also aim to provide other students with basic training in first aid.

We hope to encourage a stronger volunteer ethos amongst students both on campus and within the wider local community. We will also facilitate personal development opportunities for our members, including leadership and team-work.