Today Care and Age UK South Gloucestershire Senior First Aid Project

Today Care is based in Yate, South Gloucestershire, and because this is our home, we wanted to do more than just provide care. We wanted to give something back to the community that surrounds us, to make it safer, more connected, and more supportive.

Working in care, we see every day how people struggle with daily activities, how isolation can take hold, and how a lack of support affects well-being.

That made us ask an important question: how can we help, not just as carers but as part of the community?

Both of us are qualified instructors in First Aid, Manual Handling and other health and safety subjects. With those skills, we realised we could do something practical and meaningful.

We reached out to Age UK South Gloucestershire, and after some planning together, we created a new community project: Free Senior First Aid Awareness sessions for people over 50.

How Today Care and Age UK South Gloucestershire Senior First Aid Training Supports Over 50s

Every year in the UK there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, and most of them happen at home. In those moments, knowing what to do can make the difference between life and death.

Our sessions go beyond cardiac emergencies.

We also cover:

• How to make your home safer and hazard free.

• What to do if you or your loved one slips in the bathroom.

• How to respond if someone falls down the stairs.

• Everyday steps to prevent unnecessary trips to hospital.

  
  

We all know no one wants to spend hours in A&E if it can be avoided. These simple skills can make home life safer and give people confidence.

More than learning

The Senior First Aid Awareness project is not just about emergency skills. It is about bringing people together in South Gloucestershire. Attendees have the chance to meet neighbours, discover local activities, and simply have someone to talk to.

Human connection should be natural, yet many older people feel isolated. These sessions give people a reason to come out, learn something valuable, and reconnect with their community.

Empowering older generations

We believe strongly that people should be respected and valued at every age. Too often older people are ignored, when in reality they have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.

Through these sessions we aim to give participants:

• A purpose

• A useful skill

• Confidence that they know what to do, who to call, and how to ask for help

Because support is out there, and no one should feel forgotten.

Where we are delivering sessions

Thanks to the support of local parishes and community venues, we have already started running sessions in Yate, Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury, with plans to expand further across South Gloucestershire, including Bradley Stoke, Filton, Kingswood and many other areas.

Join us

If you are over 50 and live in South Gloucestershire, we would love to welcome you to one of our Free Senior First Aid Awareness sessions. You will learn life-saving skills, meet new people, and be part of something that makes our community stronger.

And because we are running the sessions every week in different parishes, get in touch with us or your local parish to book yourself a spot. It is a 3-hour session with refreshments and fun. There is no assessment, no kneeling, just a few hours of lovely time spent with your local community.

If you are enjoying your golden years, please join us. We would be delighted to welcome you and see you there.