Whether you have administrative, personnel or medical skills, or if you can manage a team or are a DIY expert, there's a role for you within St. John Ambulance.

You can give as much or as little time as you want!

Our uniformed volunteers provide First Aid at a large variety of public events.
You can gradually build up your skills to undertake patient transfer duties and even crew an accident and emergency ambulance,you could also learn the skills required to assist a doctor, nurse or paramedic in some specialist techniques.

Volunteers are expertly trained to treat injuries ranging from headaches to heart attacks. They may arrange further medical assistance and transport or provide comfort and rest to people in need of prolonged care.

Do I have to volunteer for a specific amount of time each week or month?
The time you can give, however much or little, will be greatly valued by both your local community - and by us. We'll provide you with appropriate training for the role you choose.

Are there any age limits?
We are keen for children to join us as St. John Badgers from the age of 5. Young people aged 10 to 17 can be Cadets and adults may join from age 18. You can choose a role with us that is appropriate to your personal fitness, whatever your age.

Do I have to wear a uniform? You do not have to wear a uniform to be part of our team. There are many non-uniformed volunteers who help in a variety of ways.

I want to be a First Aider but I do not have any qualifications.
As a new volunteer, you will be given the opportunity to learn the skills you will need to undertake the volunteering role you have chosen. Further training will be provided if you want to do something different later.

What role could I do if I already have First Aid training?
St. John Ambulance will carry out an assessment to ensure that your skills are current and specifically appropriate and your qualifications can be accredited. But don't feel that if you come from a medical background you have to do First Aid. If you want to help in another area we would still like to hear from you.

I am currently receiving Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). Will this be affected?
Your JSA will not normally be affected as long as:

You are still looking for work as agreed with your Employment Service Adviser You can be contacted quickly if the chance of a job comes up and you are willing and able to start work or go for an interview within 48 hours You do not receive any pay other than to pay for expenses like fares or special clothing you need for the voluntary work. However, you must tell your Job Centre straight away if you do any voluntary work.

How will I meet new people?
You will meet new friends through whichever role you choose to undertake as everyone meets regularly in their local unit.

Young People

10 - 18: St. John Cadets
Becoming a Cadet means you'll learn First Aid skills and get to put them into practice. You will also gain skills such as how to lead groups of people, develop your training skills so you can teach others, as well as many other subjects. Take a look at the Grand Prior Award to see what else is on offer.

What ever you're into, you will get the chance to have fun with lots of opportunities to meet new friends, help your local community and try new things.

By doing all this you will have gained a wide range of skills covering all aspects of life. All of your experiences within St. John and outside can be counted towards both the Grand Prior Award and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

5 - 10 years: St. John Badgers
Hello my name is Bertie and I’m the mascot for St. John Ambulance Badgers. Let me tell you a bit more about being a Badger.

If you are aged between 5 and 10 years old you can join Badgers!

Badgers meet once a week at Badger Setts. You get to do loads of cool stuff. You take part in the Badger Course in Absolutely Everything! You learn about First Aid, play games, make things and meet lots of new friends!

There are 9 different badges to do and every time you finish one you get to wear a badge on your Badger uniform. When you have got all nine badges you become a Super Badger! This is the highest award a Badger can achieve.