A first aid charity has set itself an ambitious new year challenge — to recruit and train the most volunteers it has ever done in one year.
Newark Community First Aid is aiming to recruit 15 new members during 2021, three more than its previous best.
“To continue with covid support, first aid training and a likely surge in requests to provide first aid cover we need more members,” said operations manager Philip Jessop.
“Our volunteers have been heavily involved in providing support to the community as the coronavirus pandemic gripped the nation.
“We provided daily telephone welfare calls to some of the most vulnerable people across the county for 18 weeks, have provided shopping and medication deliveries and transport to medical appointments.
“Since July we have increased the number of workplace first aid courses four-fold to meet the demand from local business, schools and early years settings, and we are now seeing a growing confidence in event organisers planning events for 2021.”
Newark Community First Aid is planning to start induction training in late January, involving e-learning and distanced learning modules to reduce the risk from coronavirus.
Jonathan Brown, who will lead the recruitment campaign, said volunteering was good for mental health and helping with careers, as well as helping others.
He said: “Volunteering is for everyone. By helping in your community you are helping yourself, it makes you feel good you make great friends and learn a range of new skills.
“Volunteers can join at 16 and it is a great way to gain experience for your career. I started as a young first aider and my interest led to me joining the NHS Ambulance Service. If you are retired it’s a great way to stay active, unfortunately we know unemployment is rising but by becoming a volunteer you can enhance your CV while helping others.
“I would be delighted to hear from people who want to make 2021 a special year by joining our team as a volunteer.”
For more information email Jonathan on jonathan.ncfa@hotmail.co.uk or call 07791 120083.
2021-01-25 09:44:00
