You’re a life saver

For some residents of Hertsmere, they are life savers, thanks to the Community Safer Partnership (CSP).

For the first time, the partnership has provided free first aid courses to residents in the borough as part of their community work.
Councillor John Donne, Community Safety Portfolio Holder and Chair of Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership, said: “Hertsmere is a safe place to live and work and the Community Safety Partnership works hard throughout the year to keep it that way.
“For the partnership this centres on crime, anti-social behaviour and local community safety, although we are always looking for new ways to support residents. We are delighted to be working with the British Red Cross to provide first aid courses as part of our Safer Streets Initiative. I worked with the London Ambulance Service for 32 years, so I know just how important it is for people to have basic first aid knowledge.
“Interest in the first aid course has been overwhelming. Current courses are oversubscribed and we will be running more first aid sessions across the borough.”
So far over 40 people have attended the free first aid courses in January – two have been run in Potters Bar and one in Bushey.
Helen Kibbler, First Aid Learning Development Co-ordinator, from the British Red Cross, said: “We are delighted to work with CSP to provide first aid courses. We are always looking for opportunities to reach more people in the local community and teach them the skills and confidence which could help them to save a life.
“These have gone down really well so far and we have had some excellent feedback from the people who have been on them, their confidence after the courses has been really positive. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the CSP and providing many more.”
Jeff, aged 59, said: “An excellent initiative from Hertsmere CSP to provide these free sessions on first aid.”
“The material was delivered in an easy, well presented manner, which was great as I hadn’t done first aid before. The techniques shown were simple and anyone could feel confident using them should a situation arise,” said 19-year-old Laura.
Jo, aged 26, adds: “I definitely won’t be one of those seven people to walk by if someone needs assistance. I feel I could apply what we practised with confidence.”
The CSP includes Hertsmere Borough Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service as well as other local organisations, which work together to reduce crime, create safer neighbourhoods and increase feelings of safety.
For more information on the Community Safety Partnership visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/csp
Alternatively contact Hertsmere Borough Council on 020 8207 7801 or email partnership.support@hertsmere.gov.uk