[T]hree new St John Ambulance Badgers were welcomed to the Barrow Sett last week when the District Youth Lead, Cath Miller, awarded the Welcome Paw badge to Leo Kendall, 7, Charlie Cooper, 8, and Hannah Lauderdale, 9.
Badgers are the youngest members of St John Ambulance, aged seven to ten, and learn a range of important life skills, including how to save lives using first aid, in a fun and engaging way.
As they progress towards their bronze, silver and Super Badger Awards, the children collect certificates and badges to wear on their uniforms, in recognition of their achievements in subjects such as ‘Helpful Badger’, ‘Eco Badger’ and ‘Caring Badger’.
The three new lifesavers have already learned basic first aid to achieve the Welcome Paw and two of the young people also received their Communicate Badge after learning to say hello in ten different languages, basic sign language and the phonetic alphabet.
Terri-Ann McGill, Unit Manager for St John Ambulance said: “Leo, Charlie and Hannah have worked really hard to earn their Welcome Paw and I’m delighted that their friends and family could come along last week to see them being presented with their awards. We have a lot of fun and, as well as first aid, the Badgers learn some incredible skills.
“We have spaces for six more badgers at the moment so any seven to ten year olds who enjoy a challenge and would like to make new friends and learn new skills should come along soon, the places will go on a first come, first served basis.”
The Badgers meet on Tuesday evenings from 5:40 to 6:40pm at St John Ambulance, The Strand (opposite Morrisons), Barrow. For more information ring Unit Manager, Terri-Ann McGill on 07488 359868 or visit www.sja.org.uk
