NATIONAL first aid charity St John Ambulance is planning on opening at least 15 new cadet units around England - including one in Kidderminster.

The charity is now appealing for 45 adults to step forward and volunteer as 'Youth Leaders' and 'Helpers' and for 300 young people to join the organisation as cadets in these new units, which are set to be operational following a development period in the first quarter of 2023.

They will open specifically in IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation) and Youth Investment Fund areas.

Cadets are aged between 10 and 17 and learn first aid and a wide range of other skills through St John Ambulance.

Older Cadets can go on first aid duties and also teach many first aid techniques such as Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to members of the public.

Cadets also get to participate in many activities at their weekly meetings, get involved with events such as summer camps and make lifelong friendships with other people of their age.

St John cadets are guided by 'Youth Leaders' and 'Youth Helpers' as they work towards their Grand Prior Award, the highest accolade these young people can attain in the charity.

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Caroline Conry, Head of Youth Delivery at St John Ambulance, said: “Our cadets at St John are an inspirational group of young people who have the potential to achieve amazing things now and in the future. This DCMS-funded initiative is a great opportunity to grow our cadets’ presence in key areas of England and also to welcome a large number of adult and under-18 volunteers to our charity over the next few months.

“Adults who are interested in the Youth Leader and Youth Helper roles can apply through our website. No first aid knowledge is required as all training is provided. And parents who would like to enrol their children as a cadet in one of these 15 or more new areas can also get in touch with the charity to register their interest and start the process. I’m really looking forward to seeing this initiative grow in early 2023 and to welcoming all our new starters.”