Heartstart Cowal is encouraging community groups, schools, businesses and local residents across Cowal and wider Argyll and Bute to take part in its free life-saving training sessions and help create safer, more resilient communities.
The charity delivers free two-hour Heartstart courses that provide people with the confidence and practical first aid skills to act in an emergency before professional help arrives. Participants learn how to recognise a cardiac arrest, perform CPR, use a defibrillator (AED), help someone who is choking and respond to severe bleeding incidents.
Heartstart training is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or previous experience.
Steve Abbott, Instructor and Group Co-ordinator for Heartstart Cowal, said: "A medical emergency can happen anywhere, at any time, and often the first few minutes are critical. Our courses are designed to give ordinary people the confidence to step forward and help save a life. We would love to hear from schools, youth groups, community organisations, businesses and employers who would like to host a session or arrange training for their members or staff. The training is free, engaging and could make a real difference when it matters most."
Courses are typically held in local village halls, schools and community centres and are available throughout areas including Cowal, the Isle of Bute, Kintyre and Helensburgh.
As well as encouraging more people to attend training sessions, Heartstart Cowal is also appealing for new volunteers to join the organisation. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting and delivering training, promoting events in their communities and helping ensure life-saving skills are available to as many people as possible. No previous teaching or medical experience is required, and support and training are provided.
Steve added: "We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who want to give something back to their community. Whether you can help occasionally or become more involved in delivering sessions, your contribution could help equip hundreds of people with the skills and confidence to save a life."
Heartstart Cowal is particularly keen to work with:
Primary and secondary schools
Parent councils and youth groups
Community councils and local organisations
Sports clubs and voluntary groups
Small and medium-sized businesses
Large employers and workplaces
Faith groups and social clubs
The charity believes that widespread access to CPR and defibrillator awareness training can help strengthen communities and improve outcomes during medical emergencies.
Anyone interested in arranging a free Heartstart session, finding out about upcoming courses, or volunteering with Heartstart Cowal is encouraged to get in touch.
For course bookings and enquiries, contact the Heartstart team by emailing ggc.heartstart.resuscitation@nhs.scot.