St John Ambulance Badgers MEET at new Gosport venue

The Gosport St John Ambulance Badger Sett is a group of youngsters who meet each week to learn life-saving skills that will help them make a difference to their families and communities. Operating from the Methodist Church in Stoke Road, the Sett is now inviting children from Gosport and Fareham to join them at their newly centralised location.

Aimed at all children between five and ten years of age, St John Ambulance's Badger Setts are designed to get children from communities to come together to learn important life skills in a safe and fun environment.

'St John Ambulance teaches valuable life skills to young people by training them in first aid and empowering them to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved,' said Gill Evans, Divisional Officer with St John Ambulance in Gosport, 'they will also learn about the environment and keeping safe, entertaining and global issues.'

The young Badgers take part in a lively programme, working towards a Super Badger Award. To earn the award they take part in a range of subjects from creative to active, from health to caring and for every three subjects the Badgers complete, they receive a badge. On the completion of every three courses, they receive a Paw Award and achieve 'Super Badger' status when they have completed twelve subjects.

The Badger Sett usually meets once a week for around an hour and a half. 'The Gosport/Fareham Group meet every Thursday at 5.30pm,' said Gill, adding that all the Badger leaders are appropriately trained and follow guidelines to ensure the young people are safe and get the most out of being a member of St John Ambulance.

'We offer lots of fun and exciting Badger events, such as camping and outdoor activities, arts and crafts,' said Gill. 'The children get involved in community events too, like the Gosport Carnival and an annual pantomime we put on at the Fortune House Residential Home.'

Sett meetings are held during term-time and the first Gosport meeting of the new academic year will be on Thursday 15th September at the Methodist Church in Stoke Road, Gosport. The sessions cost £1.50 per child per week. 'If anyone would like to get more information about the Gosport meetings they are welcome to give me a call on 07827 082661and I will be happy to help,' said Gill.

Gill advises parents with children over the age of ten to contact their local St John Ambulance community offices to find out about the Cadet groups in their area.

More information about joining the St John Ambulance Badgers and Cadets can be found on www.sja.org.uk or by calling 08700 104950.