A CHARITY which teaches and provides first aid and emergency medical services is looking for new volunteers to join its growing team.

St John Ambulance in Alton is looking to fill a variety of volunteering roles to help play a vital role in ensuring public safety, whether it's supporting regional events or assisting the NHS.

One of the roles it is hoping to fill is an event first aider, which gives people the opportunity to learn how to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. Volunteers are a familiar, reassuring sight, working diligently to ensure the safety of participants at events such as the Binstead Fete, Hampshire School Games and Portsmouth FC football matches.

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Alton volunteers have also supported high-profile events across the country, having provided emergency first aid at events including the London Marathon and Brighton Pride. 

The charity is also looking for youth leaders and youth team volunteers, as it strives to establish a Cadet unit in Alton. Youth leaders take an active role in welcoming young people into our Cadet and Badger schemes, whilst also supporting the running of the unit behind the scenes.

As a youth team volunteer, you will have the opportunity to teach and mentor a diverse group of young people, with ages ranging from seven-17. From delivering vital first aid training and life skills to nurturing confidence and self-discipline, you will play a crucial role in their development. 

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Alton unit manager Steve Thair said: "We're looking for people to come and get involved, and give something back to their community. There are real benefits in getting out and meeting and helping people, and it's such a rewarding role to be able to fill. You can have a real positive impact and literally have the potential to save people's lives.

"Also, for the youngsters coming in and volunteering, it can provide a mission and sense of purpose. Having that first aid ability and experience is invaluable in life and the more people that join and get involved, the more people in the community that are first aid trained, and the better and safer that is for everyone. Also, anyone interested in a medical profession when they grow up will learn all the soft skills nice and early, which will benefit people later on and through their lives."

To learn more about activities in the Alton area, please visit the group's page on Facebook at facebook.com/SJAAlton. 

If you are interested in volunteering, meetings are held every Monday evening at the Alton Maltings, GU34 1DT. For more information on how to get involved and explore the volunteering opportunities available, please visit sja.org.uk/get-involved.