Young people receive life-saving skills

Young people across Gwent have received training that could help them save lives in the event of a stabbing.

More than 90 young people took part in training sessions with the charity StreetDoctors.

They learnt what to do in an emergency situation, and how to apply pressure to a wound and reduce blood loss until medical help arrives.

StreetDoctors is a national charity that aims to put young people at the centre of first aid provision and empowers them to become lifesavers for their communities.

Katie Murray, Business Support Manager at StreetDoctors said: "Many young people worry about street violence. Our volunteers help them understand the real consequences of violence and equip them with the skills to save lives. This is incredibly empowering for young people and also for our young healthcare volunteers who deliver the training.

"It has been fantastic to deliver our sessions to young people in Gwent and we hope to work with more young people across the region of South Wales. We are really grateful for the funding and support from Gwent's Police and Crime Commissioner."

Young people from the Senghenydd Youth Drop In Centre in Caerphilly took part in a lifesaving session.

Senior youth worker Matthew Thorne said: "This was valuable training. Knife crime is a concern for our young people and although I hope they never need to use this training I am pleased that they now have skills which could save the lives of their friends or family.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, funded the sessions as part of a wider programme of education centred around the Knife Angel’s visit to Gwent in November 2022.

He said: “Knife crime remains rare in Gwent, but it is important that young people know what to do if they are involved or witness an incident.

"It has been fantastic to see young people responding so well to the sessions. I would like to thank the volunteers from  StreetDoctors for delivering such important training in a fun and engaging way.”

For more information visit the StreetDoctors website.