London Ambulance Service first ambulance service in UK to launch Charity Challenge badge for young people

London Ambulance Service is inviting children and young people across London to learn new skills and take on challenges to earn a dedicated ‘Charity Challenge’ badge showcasing their achievements.

The LAS Charity Challenge badge will be made available to all those aged 18 and under who are currently part of a youth group or organisation and who complete a series of activities designed around learning, personal development, and community service, particularly in support of charitable causes.

To be awarded with the LAS Charity Challenge badge (which is the first of its kind from an ambulance service), participants have to complete one challenge from each of the five core sections:

1. First aid – participants learn vital skills such as CPR or how to effectively call 999.
2. Fundraising – groups are encouraged to take on a fundraising challenge of their choosing, or take part in the London Life Hike – our first ever sponsored walk to raise funds for life-saving defibrillators where they are needed most.
3. The LAS – this section provides insights into careers within the LAS and gives people the chance to learn more about the service and our staff. Challenges may include researching different roles within LAS or looking out for ambulances around the capital, snapping a picture of them and making a collage.
4. Shared values – Take on team building challenge to help with problem-solving skills and resilience, or make a poster detailing your group’s values.
5. Wellbeing – this section sets activities designed to promote mental health and personal wellbeing, including learning about healthy eating or taking part in a mindfulness activity.

Paramedic and public education officer Emma McLeod said: “This is a really exciting initiative that helps introduce London Ambulance Service to the younger generation, sharing vital first aid skills with them and encouraging local youth groups to think about how to give back to a life-saving cause.

“It’s crucial young people know how to deal with emergencies effectively and when or how to get help.”

She added that struggles in the classroom during her own childhood and adolescence spurred on her interest in working in the field of paramedicine.

Emma added: “I always wanted to pursue a role in healthcare, but due to my autism and ADHD I struggled in a traditional classroom environment. This lead me to Paramedic Science as it offered a practical learning environment and a range of clinical placements.

“I love the freedom and autonomy working as a paramedic offers me and I have continued studying clinical practice at a postgraduate level to develop my skills further. Also, having grown up in London, I’m proud to contribute to the ambulance service that looks after my family and home.”

Each section has a range of activities suited to varying ability levels, age, and can be adapted for any additional needs.

After completing the challenges and fundraising efforts, each participant will receive a badge they can wear with pride and a certificate.

A group certificate will also be issued to acknowledge their collective fundraising achievement.

The initiative, which launched on Tuesday 13 August, has been trialled by several groups, including Scout groups.

Speaking about his experience of the trial for the Charity Challenge Badge, Cub leader at 3^rd Cheam Scouts Daniel Lambart, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to learn important skills that we should all know about from a young age.

“It was a great example of what a local Scouting unit can offer to the community.”

Emma added: “During the trial we raised more than £1,000 as a group completing the challenges and it was an amazing experience to see everyone get involved.

“One of the scout leaders who attended the session, who is in their 90s, was running around with the children and getting involved – which was delightful to see happening. You could really see everyone just getting on and trying their best.”

For younger children, there are several interactive elements to keep them interested and engaged. Older children and teens are able to undertake CPR and stroke awareness training with a wide variety of additional activities which they can complete independently and in their own time.

For more information please download an information pack, visit our website or you can email the team.