CharityCourses & Supplies
St John Ambulance
Donate

Youth programmes

All ages can learn and practice first aid with us.

There are loads of ways for young people to get involved with St John Ambulance. From our youngest Badgers through to Youth Leaders, they'll have fun, learn valuable life skills, build confidence, and make a real difference through volunteering. Every year, we provide thousands of opportunities for young people to begin their first aid journey and develop skills that last a lifetime.

A group of Badgers inside standing in front of a Youth Leader smiling. Some of the Badgers have their hands up.

Badgers (ages 5-10)

Badgers take part in a range of fun activities that build their confidence and learn important first aid skills.

Learn More about Badgers (ages 5-10)
A group of Cadet First Aiders, one has their hands on their waist with a big smile on their face.

Cadets (ages 10-17)

Cadets meet new people, learn life-saving skills, and build confidence as volunteers to help their local community.

Learn More about Cadets (ages 10-17)
Three people in a classroom kneeling on the floor with CPR mannequins in front of them. One of them is showing a student how to position their hands for CPR. There are other people and CPR mannequins in the background.

Young Responders (ages 11-25)

Teaching young people, aged 11-25, life-saving street first aid skills.

Learn More about Young Responders (ages 11-25)
Five people outside sat down in a field looking at a map.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Find out what The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is and how you can complete it with St John Ambulance.

Learn More about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Student volunteers taking part in a simulation exercise.

Student volunteering (University)

Whether you want to learn first aid, make new friends or gain some hands-on experience, there’s an opportunity for every University student.

Learn More about Student volunteering (University)
Two Badgers kneeling on the floor. One is leaning over an adult lying on the floor with their hand on the top of their head.

Youth team roles

Youth Team volunteers can act as helpers or leaders for our Badgers and Cadets programmes.

Learn More about Youth team roles

Join a group for young people

Badgers and Cadets are fun weekly clubs which offer activities, education, and first aid skills. They are open to young people aged 5-17 (up to their 18th birthday). Local groups can be found across the country. Older cadets also get the opportunity to take courses where they can grow their skills in leadership and join adult volunteers at events.

Young Responders provide opportunities to experience healthcare roles or learn first aid skills to youth between 11-25 from communities that are underserved.

Complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award with St John Ambulance

The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is a scheme where young people step out of their comfort zone to take part in adventurous and civic activities. If you’re an existing volunteer or cadet at St John Ambulance, you can complete your DofE with us.

We can also help if you’re completing the award through another organisation, but would like St John Ambulance to count towards the volunteering or skills sections.

Attending university? Volunteer with us

If you're studying at university, you can take part in Student Volunteering to get started as a part of St John Ambulance. Check our list to find out if your university has a First Aid Society, or you can even start your own.

Our student volunteers get to add something really special to their CV while they make a difference and meet new people.

Are you leader material?

If you’re aged 18 and up, you can volunteer with our Badgers and Cadets as a Youth Helper or Leader. This is an exciting and rewarding volunteer role where you’ll be working directly with young people, helping to inspire the next generation of lifesavers.