ORGANISERS of St John Ambulance units in Dorset are appealing for new volunteers to join the life saving charity.

Specific opportunities exist not only as adult first aiders, but also as youth leaders, trainers and in support roles such as the charity’s logistics team.

Local units looking for support include Portland, Dorchester, Bridport and Shaftesbury.

St John Ambulance volunteers are a familiar sight at sporting events and fairs and also in the community. New adult volunteers receive training in first aid and once this has been completed successfully they will have a chance to take their skills out to public gatherings in the local area and deliver life saving first aid to anyone who needs it.

Initial training is covered over four separate weekends. Those who are successful with their application will be invited to the next round of training, which is currently being planned for May. Applicants must ensure that they can attend all four sessions in a round of training, otherwise they will need to wait for the next set of sessions.

All volunteers are asked to give a minimum of 60 hours per annum and all applicants will need to pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Successful applicants for youth leader roles will work first of all with the charity’s Cadets (10 to 17 years) helping to develop the life savers of the future.

Anyone interested in a training role will need to have a training qualification at a minimum of Level 4.

Kevin Chappuis, a St John communications volunteer in Dorset, said: ‘Now that our first aiders are returning to events around the country, we’re appealing for enthusiastic people in Dorset to step forward and volunteer with us, either providing first aid where it is needed or supporting other volunteers through training, logistics and working with our young people. Volunteering with St John is really satisfying and there are many people in the organisation with decades of volunteering experience to share. No matter how many hours a month you can spare, we’d love to hear from you."

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these roles but need further details contact Kevin for an informal chat at kevin.chappuis@sja.org.uk

Further details about available roles and the opportunity to apply online can be found at https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/