Life-saving skills provide confidence boost
Volunteers involved in an award winning Growing Health allotment project, led by Stafford’s leading landlord in partnership with the Borough Council, have been learning essential life-saving skills as part of an initiative to boost their confidence and career prospects.
Organised by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) the first aid training was made available free of charge to volunteers involved with the project.
Laura MacPhee, Customer Involvement Advisor at SARH, explained: “In addition to encouraging people to improve their diet and to get out into the fresh air, Growing Health also aims to help people build their confidence and, if they are not working already, improve their employment prospects.
“Being able to carry out basic first aid is obviously important to those working on the four Growing Health allotments across the borough but, as the course leads to a formal qualification which can help to boost anyone’s CV, we also invited members of our Work Club to take part.”
As part of the training towards the CIEH Level 2 qualification, those attending the course at Stone Community Fire Station learned about resuscitation techniques and how to deal with shock, blood loss and choking.
Tracey Rock, who helps to tend a plot at the Priory Road allotment in Stone, said: “It was a fascinating day with a lot of useful information. I now feel more confident as I know what to do in an emergency. As well as making the allotments an even safer place to enjoy some time outdoors, the qualification will look good on my CV.”
After undertaking a final assessment, those taking part will be presented with an award certificate and a first aid box for use on their community allotment.
Laura added: “Everyone enjoyed the day and we would like to thank the Fire Service for providing the venue free of charge and Stuart Baldwin, an assessor at Sapphire QHSE, for his expert tuition.”
Pictured: Lorraine Antrobus from the SARH Work Club and Growing Health allotment holder Martin Lee taking part in the first aid training watched by Laura MacPhee, Customer Involvement Advisor at SARH and Stuart Baldwin, an assessor at Sapphire QHSE.
