SAINT John Ambulance is looking for inspirational and enthusiastic community champions to spearhead projects taking life saving skills into Somerset’s deprived communities.

The volunteers will help the nation’s leading first aid charity set up clubs in schools, or where St John Ambulance doesn’t currently have groups for young people, and recruit youth leaders.

Anyone who’s interested in the voluntary role can apply online: http://bit.ly/commchamp South-West youth manager Dave Christophers said: “Our new projects are aimed at reaching young people in Somerset who don’t currently have the opportunity to be involved with a voluntary group that enriches their life, or have become what the Government calls NEET – not in education, employment, or training.

“That’s why we’re looking for people who can inspire and enthuse young people, as well as giving them an awareness of first aid and why it is so important to learn skills that could help you be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

“We want people who can spare a few hours a month to either persuade teachers to start St John Ambulance groups in their schools, or engage with socially-excluded young people in their communities.”

Experience of working with NEETs would be helpful, but isn’t essential.

Volunteers just need to be passionate about the work and have the time to devote to the projects, including some evenings and weekends.

The community champions will also play a key part in forthcoming St John Ambulance work that will see the charity take its first aid training on the road – particularly in rural areas.

And the voluntary role could also provide useful work experience and training as a route into employment.

“I’m also interested in hearing from young people, aged over 16, who’d like to get involved and be trained as peer educators,” added Mr Christophers.

“That could be someone who is currently NEET and wants some volunteering experience that would help them find work.”

For more information on St John Ambulance’s work, including how to become a volunteer and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700-104950.