One of our Health & Social care students, Matthew Bousfield has been named as a national charity's cadet of the year. Matthew was ‘thrilled’ to win the 2018 title of St John Ambulance’s National Cadet of the Year. He triumphed in the recent two day contest at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, which saw the best of the first aid charity’s young volunteers from across the country take part in tough tasks.



Designed to stretch the cadets’ abilities, the event includes a wide range of subjects such as communication, team work, presentation, working with the media and social skills. With thousands of cadets across the country taking part, competitors had to show a high degree of excellence and the competition was fierce

Matthew, will now represent St John Ambulance Cadets at a number of high profile events across the country over the coming year. He said: “I am so thrilled to be awarded the National Cadet of the Year 2018 and delighted to be bringing it back to the North! I have had a brilliant weekend and even being there with the top cadets in the country was an honour. I am especially proud because I have ADHD and Asperger’s and this proves that despite what some people might see as disabilities, anyone can do anything if they set their mind to it. I want to say well done to all the Regional Cadets too, I just know we are going to be a great team and I’m really looking forward to working with everyone. I can’t wait to see what the coming year brings. Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Simon Dunn, regional director for St John Ambulance said: “First aid is an important skill for people of all ages to learn, and we’re so proud that one of our cadets from the North will be representing our young volunteers for the next year. Matthew demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of first aid and will act as an excellent ambassador for St John Ambulance. His support will help us to encourage more young people to learn basic lifesaving skills and be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”

St John Ambulance Cadets are aged 10 to 17 and besides first aid they learn a huge range of other important life skills as they work towards their Grand Prior award - the highest award a cadet can achieve. Subjects range from animal welfare and cookery to sports and photography. Older cadets can put their first aid and other communication skills into practice by providing first aid to the public at events or teaching first aid to other young people and adults. St John Ambulance has over 11,000 youth volunteers in the country and believes that every young person should have the opportunity to make a real difference in their community; to speak out on what matters to them and to help others in need of support and development. To join them, call 08700 10 49 50 or visit www.sja.org.uk/youth