The North West Air Ambulance Charity has announced the launch of their newest initiative to engage with young people across the region.
They are calling for young people across Cheshire to join their ‘Helicopter Hero’ badge program, which can be done at school, at home, or through a community group.
The badge is aimed at children of all ages and aims to inspire young people within the North West to learn more about the lifesaving charity.
The initiative has been created to upskill children with safety and first aid techniques and help them raise awareness and fundraise for NWAA.
Last year the charity was called to over 500 incidents in Cheshire.
Emma Pearson, Head of Community, Fundraising and Events at NWAA, said: “We’re extremely excited to launch our ‘Helicopter Hero’ badge, it’s a great way for young people in the North West to get involved with NWAA and learn about our lifesaving work.
“The support we’ve received for the badge within the Cheshire region has been amazing since we launched. We’re able to save lives across the region because of the support within the community, as we receive no government funding and are not part of the NHS.”
In order to claim the badge, young people will have to complete a series of ‘missions’ that will provide them with valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility and community whilst supporting the charity.
There are three stages to the badge; those involved will learn about a lifesaving skill, they’ll then need to raise awareness of the charity, and the final challenge is to fundraise for the charity.
Caroline Stott, a Brownie Leader from Middlewich, said: “I met NWAA when I was at the Cheshire show with the Brownies. They explained about the new badge that the Brownies could work on, and I thought it sounded like something the girls would love to do. NWAA is a well-deserved charity to support, and it’s been a great way to help educate the girls.
“Being located near the M6, Middlewich often sees NWAA, it’s been great understanding more about the charity. The Brownies have learnt about the lifesaving service of NWAA and the importance of the charitable donations that they receive. They have also learnt about a new lifesaving skill and will be raising awareness and money for the charity in the coming months.”
For more information and to learn more about NWAA’s ‘Helicopter Hero’ badge follow this link.