West Suffolk Network St John Ambulance Volunteers

27/04/2026

Yesterday, 11 members of the West Suffolk Network of St John Ambulance travelled to London to assist the nearly 60,000 runners taking part in the London Marathon 🏃🏃‍♀️👨‍🦽👩‍🦽 We were joined by members of St. John Ambulance North Herts Network as well as lots of others

All the volunteers who took part had an amazing time and the atmosphere was electric!

Could you see yourself joining us next year? We're currently recruiting Emergency Responders

Find out more here: https://www.sja.org.uk/volunteer/305461/

16/03/2026

West Suffolk Network St John Ambulance Volunteers are shocked to hear the news breaking today that, unfortunately, there is an outbreak of meningitis that has claimed the lives of young people in Kent. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of those who are affected.

Whilst there are no recorded cases in Suffolk, we thought it was important to share what to look out for.

Meningitis is an infection of the linings that surround the brain and the spinal cord. Anyone of any age can get meningitis. It can be very serious and develop very quickly.

Key signs and symptoms of meningitis are:
• Sudden onset of high fever
• Severe or worsening headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Joint or muscle pain
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Very cold hands and feet
• Seizures
• Confusion or delirium
• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass

If you notice any of these symptoms, please go to the nearest A&E department immediately. If you are unable to make your own way, then please contact the ambulance service via 999 and state you are concerned about meningitis.

Meningitis is spread via droplets and fluid contact. The droplets cannot survive for long outside the body, and hence they are not easily passed from one person to another. Normal regular cleaning with anti-bacterial wipes can make surfaces safe. Face masks can be used if your concerned or in an at risk group to further prevent the risk of transmission.

For more information from St John Ambulance, please follow this link: www.sja.org.uk/first-aid-advice/meningitis/

09/03/2026

Did you know that in a cardiac emergency, a woman is significantly less likely to receive life-saving CPR in public than a man? 💔

Recent studies, including research from St John Ambulance, show an "alarming gender disparity" in emergency care. While roughly 73% of men receive bystander CPR, that number drops to 68% for women.

Why is there a gap?

The reasons are often rooted in "taboos" and misconceptions:

Fear of "Inappropriate" Touch: Many bystanders worry about being accused of sexual assault or feel uncomfortable touching a woman’s chest.

Misperception of Risk: There is a lingering myth that women don't have heart attacks as often as men.

Fragility Myth: Some fear they will cause more physical harm to a woman's body during compressions.

The reality? CPR is the same for everyone. Every second counts, and the priority is always saving a life.

We need to normalize life-saving care for all bodies.

🌟 How You Can Help

We can close this gap through better education and more confident responders.

St John Ambulance is looking for volunteers to join their incredible team. Whether you want to be a first aider on the front lines or support your community in other ways, they provide all the training you need to save lives with confidence.

👉 Become a lifesaver today and visit: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/?hl=en-GB

Find information from St John Ambulance about volunteering opportunities, including volunteering roles and benefits, and our youth volunteering programme.

08/03/2026

On we recognise all the women who volunteer with us and those who support us to volunteer. We couldn't do it without you!

31/01/2026

Are you looking for a new volunteering challenge? If so, we're recruiting!

We are looking for Youth Helpers and Community Volunteers in West Suffolk - could you be our newest volunteer?

Youth Helper - Flexible commitment (Bury St Edmunds or Stowmarket Cadet Units)

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

To apply, please visit: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-opportunity-search/opportunity-detail/296849

Community Volunteer - at least 24 hours a year - across West Suffolk

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

To apply, please visit: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-opportunity-search/opportunity-detail/300819

05/01/2026

Volunteers from West Suffolk Network were amongst many who supported the New Year's Eve celebration in London

18/11/2025

11/11/2025

West Suffolk Network was honoured to provide First Aid provision to the Remembrance Parades in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket on Remembrance Sunday.

11/11/2025

BSE St John Volunteers is now known as the West Suffolk Network of St John Ambulance.

27/02/2024

Did anyone see our very own Bury St Edmunds volunteer Anya Pratt on ITV news last night?
The topic being discussed was why females are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders. Receiving CPR is time critical and can make the difference between life and death.
Details on how to perform CPR can be found at www.sja.org.uk

16/01/2024

Yesterday evening volunteers Claire, Anya and David taught some basic life saving skills, including CPR and using an AED, to volunteers from Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw so that they’ll know what to do should they come across an emergency when out and about in the community. Great work by all 😊 🚲💚

18/11/2023

This week members from our Bury unit visited the 14th Bury St Edmunds Brownies to teach them first aid. Great work from the girls and great community work 😊