Janet's St John unit flourishes in Doncaster

A young people's unit connected to a first aid charity is thriving in Doncaster - 40 years since it was opened by a woman member.
Arksey St John Cadet and Badger UnitArksey St John Cadet and Badger Unit
Arksey St John Cadet and Badger Unit

Janet Havenhand, manager of the Arksey St John Cadet and Badger Unit, started up the section in 1977.

Janet joined St John Ambulance as a cadet 51 years ago and is still an active volunteer in the Doncaster area, frequently providing first aid cover at events held at the Doncaster Racecourse and the Keepmoat Stadium.

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In October, 2015, Janet, who is the Doncaster area youth leader, was promoted to office member in the Order of St John from the Serving Sister.

The investiture was held at St John’s Gate Church in London.

Her promotion was in recognition of Janet’s tireless work within St John and the wider community within which she works.

Over the last four decades she has headed a vibrant cadet and badger unit in Arksey and is always ready to welcome any new volunteers to her friendly group.

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St John Ambulance is the nation’s leading first aid charity.

Every year, more than 400,000 people learn how to save a life through the charity’s training programmes.

They include hundreds of thousands of young people who make new friends and then learn vital skills alongside them.

Children can join St John from the age of seven. Currently, there are youth units operating in Arksey, Edlington, Auckley and Thorne.

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Volunteers for St John Ambulance provide first aid within their own communities, keeping people safe at events, and working alongside the NHS in response to 999 calls.

They also campaign on an ongoing basis to raise awareness of first aid and directly educate the public in how to deal with minor or bigger emergencies concerning health.

Event first aiders provide care to people in need at public occasions. These include professional football matches, theatres, music festivals and major sporting events.