Residents in Wroughton and Wichelstowe are being invited to become everyday lifesavers this summer as a new community initiative arrives in the parish.
The First Aid Villages programme, launched in partnership with Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council and St John Ambulance, aims to train local residents with the confidence and skills to step in during a medical emergency.
A series of free, interactive sessions will start in July at the Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton. The sessions will teach essential skills including CPR, choking response, severe bleeding control, stroke recognition and how to help someone who is unresponsive, and Wroughton is the first village in Wiltshire to take part.
Cllr John Hewer, Chair of Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council, said: “The parish council is delighted to team up with St John Ambulance for this brilliant initiative. 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.”
Every year in the UK, around 30,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Around 80% of cardiac arrests happen at home and a person’s survival chances drop by 10% for every minute without defibrillation.
Bob Sanderson, St John Ambulance’s County Commissioner for Wiltshire, said: “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.”
The First Aid Villages programme is designed to change those odds by creating stronger, safer and more resilient communities.
No previous first aid experience is needed, and the sessions are relaxed, practical and designed for everyone.
People who have successfully completed the scheme will be given special stickers to display in their windows so neighbours know they are ready and willing to help in an emergency.
Organisers also hope many attendees will go on to become local First Aid Street Champions, trusted residents who can support others in an emergency situation until ambulance crews arrive.
The sessions will take place at the Ellendune Community Centre on the following days:
· Saturday 4 July 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
· Saturday 25 July 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Additional sessions are planned for later in the year.
Places are free for residents of the Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council area, but spaces are limited.
To sign up, click on this link to the parish council’s website HERE
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