Residents across Wroughton and Wichelstowe are being encouraged to learn potentially life-saving skills as part of a new initiative aimed at creating a stronger and more resilient community.
Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council has partnered with St John Ambulance to launch the First Aid Villages programme, making Wroughton the first village in Wiltshire to take part.
The scheme is designed to give residents the confidence to act in the critical moments before emergency services arrive, teaching practical skills that could make the difference between life and death.
Free training sessions will begin in July at Ellendune Community Centre, covering CPR, choking response, severe bleeding control, stroke recognition and how to assist someone who is unconscious or unresponsive.
Organisers say no previous first aid experience is required, with sessions designed to be relaxed, interactive and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Councillor John Hewer, Chair of Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council, welcomed the initiative.
“The parish council is delighted to team up with St John Ambulance for this brilliant initiative,” he said.
“We want to make sure that we are ready to help our fellow residents if an emergency strikes.
“I would encourage as many residents as possible to sign up for the sessions. Let’s all do our bit to make Wroughton and Wichelstowe a First Aid Village.”
The programme comes against a backdrop of growing awareness around emergency first aid. Each year around 30,000 people in the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with approximately 80 per cent occurring in the home. Survival rates decrease significantly with every minute that passes without treatment.
Bob Sanderson, St John Ambulance’s County Commissioner for Wiltshire, said the scheme could have a lasting impact on the local community.
“This is a great opportunity to raise the awareness of how to save a life, and Wroughton is the first village in Wiltshire to take part in this project.
“I am excited about this scheme which will benefit all residents.”
Participants who complete the programme will receive a special window sticker indicating they have first aid training and are willing to assist neighbours during emergencies.
Organisers also hope some attendees will go on to become First Aid Street Champions, helping to build a local network of trained residents capable of supporting others while waiting for ambulance crews to arrive.
The first sessions will take place on:
- Saturday 4 July 2026, 12pm to 3pm
- Saturday 25 July 2026, 12pm to 3pm
Additional training sessions are expected later in the year.
Places are free for residents living within the Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council area, although numbers are limited and early registration is encouraged.
