High five for blooming marvellous volunteers

Volunteers at St John Ambulance delivered sessions on the 'Five Ways to Save a Life' to a team at a community garden.

St John Ambulance oversaw the community first aid sessions at Winthrop Gardens in Wickersley, which were tailored specifically to volunteer roles and activities.

The training was delivered by volunteer trainers from the Rotherham St John Ambulance group, Sue Darker and Hazel Thompson.

The sessions focused on the Five Ways to Save a Life, including CPR and the use of an AED (defibrillator).

A spokesperson for SJA Rotherham said: “It was a wonderful example of volunteers helping volunteers.

“Sessions were arranged for volunteers working in the café, garden and walkers’ groups, with each group bringing ideas of incidents that might happen in their area.

“The volunteers were very enthusiastic and engaging, sharing many real life scenarios.

“We are really looking forward to being invited back again.”

Winthrop Gardens is run by more than 112 dedicated volunteers who care for the gardens, support plant sales, welcome visitors in the tea rooms, and lead a wide range of community activities.

Volunteers also deliver wellbeing programmes, including a Memory Café for people living with dementia and their carers, a Carers Support Group, Games Morning and weekly walks.

Winthrop Gardens organiser Anna Chester said: “Huge thanks to Sue and Hazel, St John Ambulance volunteer trainers, for all the training they’ve delivered to our volunteers.

“Some great sessions which we’ve really appreciated – especially the CPR training now that Winthrop has its own defibrillators.

“This collaboration is a great example of how organisations and volunteers can work together to build safer, stronger communities.”