Calling for Youth Leader

Hertfordshire St John Ambulance is looking for a new adult volunteer willing to help run the charity’s Harpenden Cadet division.

The unpaid role of Youth Leader would suit an enthusiastic person, fully committed to helping the division’s Cadets realise their full potential.

It involves a commitment to attending the Cadet's weekly meetings every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. There would also be a need to attend other occasional meetings and deal with admin work.

Commissioner for Youth in Hertfordshire, Mary King, explained: ‘Their job would be to plan and deliver a full programme of subjects and activities which include valuable life skills including first aid, teamwork, leadership and communication.’

‘Our ultimate aim is to encourage the development of our Cadets into responsible citizens who really make a difference in their local communities. But it’s not just about learning new skills – there’s a lot of fun, friendship and adventure along the way!’

Applicants don’t need to be existing members of the charity and neither do they need first aid skills as these will be taught as part of an ongoing training package.

St John Ambulance Cadets are aged between 10 and 17 and can choose from 70 different subjects to study as they work towards their Grand Prior award – the highest accolade a Cadet can achieve.

Subjects range from nutrition and animal welfare to sports, photography and radio communications.

Older Cadets can use their first aid skills by supporting adult members in providing medical cover at public events and by training other young volunteers.

Harpenden division is proud to have produced next year’s County Cadet of the Year – 16-year-old Sophie Bunn whose role involves acting as a youth ambassador for the nation’s leading first aid charity and attending many high profile national events.

Sophie said: ‘Being a St John ambulance cadet offers completely unique opportunities, my favourite of which are the many residential courses and trips available, where you are able to develop yourself as an individual, learn new skills, and meet people of similar interests from all across the county. 

‘I really like attending duties such as the Herts 10K run and the Crabtree fireworks, because you are able to go and enjoy great events whilst also representing St John in the local community as a first aider. 

‘The first aid skills I have learned in St John have been of great use in everyday situations, such as treating friends or family with minor cuts or burns. I have also been able to treat casualties on duties, such as the Harpenden Carnival.

'The scenarios we have taken part in at our division have given me the confidence to know that I, along with all the other cadets, would potentially be able to save someone's life if put in those situations in real life.’

For more information about the Youth Leader post please call 01438 740044 or email.