Volunteer with St John Ambulance and become a community lifesaver
Wednesday 25th June, 2025
The St John Ambulance story goes back to 11th century Jerusalem, when the Knights of St John set up a hospital to give free care to sick pilgrims. The organisation as we know it today was founded in 1877 to help those in railway and mining hubs; today, it's an international charity, teaching and providing life-saving first aid skills to 400,000 people in 40 countries around the world.
St John’s Truro unit can be found in Heron Way on Newham Industrial Estate. As well as hosting first aid training sessions, it’s a base for passionate volunteers who are familiar sights at major community events, from the Royal Cornwall Show and Cornish Pirates rugby games to festive light switch-ons and Pride parades.
They also visit schools and workplaces to share their knowledge with children and employees, and even work alongside NHS crews in response to 999 calls. Community First Aiders, meanwhile, go out and teach others what to do – for example, showing someone how to use the defibrillator outside the shop they run.
All this can only happen if enough people put themselves forward, and the Cornwall Network is calling for more to wear the eight-pointed Maltese cross that nods back to the charity’s forebears. “All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary – we provide the training,” says West Cornwall network lead Nicola Ginns. “We just ask for enthusiasm and commitment in return.”
While the charity estimates volunteers give 80 hours a year, you can offer as little or as much as you’re able. Nicola joined after her children left home and recently received a medal for 10 years’ service. “I’d happily give 80 hours a week, I love it so much,” she says. “It’s sociable – we're a family.”
The City of Truro Cadets unit was relaunched 18 months ago under the management of school administrator Laura Calcraft, and was named the best unit in Cornwall at the St John service in February.
“It is a privilege to watch our dedicated group of cadets grow in confidence and knowledge,” says Laura. “Several have completed their Community First Aider qualifications and are providing event first aid. One is going to university in September to study paramedicine, and another to study paediatric nursing.
“These are our health practitioners of the future, and we want to provide more young people with these opportunities. We’d love to be able to open more units throughout Cornwall, so please consider volunteering with St John. It’s so rewarding and just a few hours a week will really make a difference.”
Open days are planned for July, with dates to be confirmed. Follow St John Ambulance Truro on Facebook, email Nicola Ginns at Nicola.Ginns@sja.org.uk or chat to volunteers at community events.