The London Borough of Sutton marked a new chapter in local health and safety with the official launch of the Sutton Network for St John Ambulance. The event brought together volunteers from the Sutton, Nonsuch, and Cheam areas for the first time to celebrate the formation of a community-driven network aimed at enhancing first aid education and support in the region.

The launch event was attended by Councillor Colin Stears, Mayor of Sutton, and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, who officially kicked off the network's new chapter. The evening also featured Clive James, Network Lead for Sutton, who presented an exciting programme detailing the numerous opportunities the new network will bring to the local community. Key highlights included plans to offer public first aid courses and community engagement initiatives.

One of the event's most touching moments came when Clive James and Councillor Colin Stears presented the prestigious Regional Commissions Award to Peter McLaughlin, a St John Ambulance volunteer who recently saved a life by performing CPR on a member of the public. The evening also honoured the incredible service of long-standing volunteers, with special recognition given to:

David Burchell – 60 years of service

Rosemary Burchell – 55 years of service

Lorraine Burchell – 30 years of service

Together, the Burchell family has contributed an outstanding 145 years of service to St John Ambulance.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, enthusiastic Cadets (aged 10 to 17) demonstrated their life-saving skills with CPR demonstrations, while guests enjoyed the symbolic cutting of a special St John Ambulance cake.

Clive James shared his enthusiasm for the new network, stating:

The launch of the Community Network in Sutton allows local people to access St John Ambulance again. We have always been there to provide first aid cover when needed, but now we can offer more — whether it’s a training session, a talk about who we are, or simply supporting our neighbours, friends, and local community groups.

The event highlighted the vital role St John Ambulance plays in local communities and reinforced the organisation's commitment to supporting public health and safety across Sutton.

Join the Sutton Network for St John Ambulance

To find out more about our organisation's life-saving work, or if you're interested in volunteering with St John Ambulance in Sutton, check out our latest volunteer opportunities.