The Red Cross and Plunket have teamed up to offer a series of free first aid training sessions aimed at anyone who has the care of babies and toddlers.
Red Cross first aid instructor Ray Beaven took the first of the sessions at the Red Cross rooms on Guyton Streeton Thursday.
Plunket PEPE facilitator Tracey Young said the courses had been sponsored by Red Cross especially for parents, grandparents, neighbours who babysat, or anyone who looked after or worked with small children.
At the end of the two-hour course, which covers CPR, choking and baby first aid, people came out with a first aid certificate.
Taking part in the first course were parents with a newborn child and 3-year-old, and a woman who was in the process of getting her teaching degree and had a placement with babies and toddlers coming up, and had a grandchild on the way.
The parents on the course said it was good for them both to learn, just to be safe in case something did happen.
Plunket volunteer Nicola Young said the courses were among a number of initiatives Plunket had going with widespread appeal.
She took the course last year and found it was a great refresher, having done a first aid course in the past. As a mother this time, it was really valuable on a personal level, she said.
"As a parent, you were literally responsible for another life."
Another initiative starting was the Winter Warmer Hot Chocolate Series, where parents could get a free hot chocolate at the Plunket Family Centre on Heads Road and take part in a helpful discussion.
About the courses
The first aid sessions take place from 10am-midday on July 18, August 23, September 18, October 23, November 27 and December 19.
The hot chocolate series starts on July 25, from 10am to noon, the first topic being winter remedies and infection protection.
Registrations for both courses can be made by calling 06 3574844 or email kirsty.dysart@plunket.org.nz.
