Jo, Youth Leader

Cadets

Jo Gardner, a volunteer from Kidlington, has been a Cadet Leader for five years. 'I came back to the area after university and was asked by a friend to help out at Cadets for a few weeks. I enjoyed it so much, I never left!'

A fun and supportive environment

The Cadets meet each week to learn about subjects ranging from Fire Prevention to DIY, from Drugs Education to Photography. They also have a regular programme of competitions, camps, sports days and other activities.

By working gradually through St John Ambulance Cadets, my confidence has increased.

Louise
Cadet, Kidlington

Jo now leads a group of 29 Cadets and has a group of five regular voluntary assistant leaders, plus others who help out from time to time. 

By participating in different subjects, the Cadets then gain certificates. When they complete 24 subjects, they are awarded the Grand Prior Award.  17 year-old Louise achieved the Grand Prior Award last year, and comments: 'By working gradually through St John Ambulance Cadets, my confidence has increased. Now I’m proud to teach the membership award to the younger ones, because if I can deal with a group of loud and talkative 10 year-olds, I think I can deal with anything!'

Training and guidance

Training for new leaders takes place over a weekend, and they are then supported by an experienced leader as they settle in. Leaders are provided with a complete syllabus including subject guidance, example activities, and sources of additional information. 

'The programme was specially designed for St John Ambulance, and it’s so popular that many of our youth groups are full. We could offer even more places to young people if we could find some more volunteers to help' added Jo.

Jo continues: 'It’s such fun working with young people – hard work, but very rewarding.  Seeing them change for the better, gaining self-confidence and do things they thought they would never be able to do.'

We need need motivated volunteers to deliver the youth programme. Acceptance is subject to references and an enhanced-level CRB check, and full training is provided. To find out more, contact us on 01865 378228 or complete the enquiry form.