Members of Shepway and District U3a (SE Kent) have enjoyed attending a Basic Adult First Aid Workshop, with training supplied by The British Red Cross. A lot of interest was shown when the workshop was first promoted by Sue Dickie, who is also the Membership Secretary. Sue, a retired Registered Nurse first suggested this in 2025, and since then, three workshops have been held, with two more to be planned for later in the year. Not having the certification to run these classes herself, Sue approached both St John’s Ambulance, and the British Red Cross,
the latter being the first to reply in a pro-active way.

This has proved a very successful partnership, and resulted in 14-20 members attending each workshop. Everybody who attended gave very positive feedback regarding the trainer, Babs, and her style of training, which included group work, a demonstration on how to use AED’s (Automated External Defibrillator), and an opportunity to try CPR - (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).

Sue plans to continue arranging these workshops, to allow more of the Shepway and District U3a’s 800+ members an opportunity to attend.

Interest has also been expressed in more detailed training, and proposals for these full day classes will be published at a later date.

The British Red Cross have an active platform for Community training; In addition to First Aid they cover other topics, the latest being Flood Awareness Workshops - a topic becoming more frequently required as Global Warming affects wider areas of the country.

For anybody interested in approaching The British Red Cross for training in person, or for virtual training, you may contact them via email at redcrosseducation@redcross.org.uk.