DARTFORD ST JOHN AMBULANCE BADGERS AWARDS 2023

By local resident, Sarah Young

their promise.

July 9th saw Dartford Badgers hold their annual awards evening. It was a pleasure to invite special guests Kelly Grehan (Councillor for Temple Hill and Dartford North East), Peter Longbottom (Dartford resident, active community member and Area Manager for St John Ambulance) and Vijay Jain (Dartford Living Magazine’s very own Editor) to present special recognition awards.

We welcomed Badgers and their families to join us in celebrating all of our recent successes. This year has been amazing, with Badgers earning an incredible six subject badges- ranging from Helpful to Active to First Aid and Caring.

I have been Unit Manager here at Dartford Badgers for 11 years, and I never tire of seeing Badgers learn and grow, gain confidence and become the very best that they can be.

Dartford St John Ambulance welcomes Badgers from the ages of 5-11 years old. We aim to teach life skills, like communication, empathy, compassion, care and first aid, all taught in an engaging, fun and age appropriate way. Badgers take part in a wide range of fun activities based on essential first aid and other fascinating topics, earning badges and certificates for each one. For every three subjects a Badger completes, they receive an award until they achieve their Super Badger Award.

Badgers promise to be a good Badger and try to do their very best in absolutely everything they do. And this year they have all striven to keep

As leaders it’s wonderful to see how proud they are to be a Badger. So much effort to be celebrated. Each Badger earning their individual awards, and enjoying sharing these with their families. This year was exceptionally difficult to choose our special recognition awards, as every single one has been a shining example of St John Ambulance and a credit to their families. Peter presented an award for most Helpful Badger – for the Badger that always helps every week without being asked. Kelly Grehan was delighted to present The Maggie Riley Award for Achievement – for the Badger that always puts in 100% effort and never gives up. And Vijay presented the Dartford Living Award for Badger of the year (on behalf of the whole DL Team)- for being a truly amazing Badger that shows all of the important values and skills, and for showing compassion and empathy. Peter Longbottom said “Well done to all who received awards, you are a credit to Kent SJA” Hear Hear!

For more information on St John Ambulance Badgers please visit www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/ young-people/badgers