THE ST. JOHNS AMBULANCE Cymru North Wales Cadet of the Year competition took place last month, showcasing some of our amazing young lifesavers.
This year’s competition was held in Wrexham and 15 Cadets from all over North Wales took part. The competition was made up of various tasks, including building a straw bridge as a team, acting out a first aid scenario and delivering a presentation on improving St John Ambulance Cymru’s youth programmes.
Darren Murray, Assistant Chief Volunteer at St John Ambulance Cymru, was a judge. Darren explained how winners were awarded based on various skills; team work, leadership, co-operation, communication, first aid, knowledge and presentation skills.
These skills are the foundations of the Cadet learning scheme. The programme teaches young people these skills throughout their professional and personal lives.
Darren commented on the competition;
“I enjoyed seeing how our Cadets worked with each other and how well they represented our organisation. They are so astute about what needs to change and what works well within St John Ambulance Cymru. Their ideas were fantastic.
If they are our future, St John Ambulance Cymru is in very safe hands”
14-year-old Izabelle from the Deeside Division was awarded Cadet of the Year, followed by Chloe, also from Deeside Division, who won Deputy Cadet of the Year.
Division leader Jill told us that Izabelle first joined the Cadets at the beginning of 2022 and regularly gives up her time to volunteer at events within the community. Jill commented;
“From the time we met her, the Youth Team could see that she was destined for greater things. She has an air of confidence beyond her years.”
“You can see she is passionate about helping others with the way she deals with the public and volunteers alike.”
Jill claimed that the whole of the Deeside Division are incredibly proud of Izabelle. She commented;
“As a Youth Team we are here to help our Cadets be the best they can be and to let them shine.
Our aim at Deeside is to give our Cadets a fantastic experience and to give them great opportunities to advance their skills.“
Izabelle explained why she joined the Cadets, she said: “because of my interest in medicine, the fact that I enjoy a challenge and the opportunities I’ve had to help people and gain valuable experiences.” Izabelle also mentioned “the sense of belonging I get from being part of the wonderful team at Deeside.” Izabelle is settling into her new role well and continues to work towards her Grand Prior Award.
The St John Ambulance Cadets is not only a programme which teaches a new generation of lifesavers vital first aid skills, but also includes lots of fun activities and projects that will help to build general leadership and communication skills.
To find out more about our youth services, visit Young people (sjacymru.org.uk).
