St John Ambulance hosted its National Impact Awards on Thursday, 5th June, at the CHQ Building in Brighton. Organised by the Central Sussex and Ouse Valley Network, the event coincided with Volunteers’ Week and acknowledged the efforts of volunteers across the country.

Attended by the High Sheriffs of West and East Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks and Mrs Anne Brown, as well as senior leaders from the charity, the ceremony featured the presentation of 10 awards to Community Networks, recognising contributions in categories aligned with the charity’s HEART values.

Deputy Chief Commissioner, Janet Catto, highlighted the impact of the charity nationwide, stating: “Across the country and in our communities, we make a difference.”

Janet further praised the efforts of volunteers for providing “a fantastic service to our local communities and at events, supporting our young people and helping behind the scenes.”

The National Impact Awards, hosted virtually, were screened to networks throughout the country.

placeholder image — The National Impact Awards, hosted virtually, were screened to networks throughout the country.

The recipients of the National Impact Awards were:

Inspiring Badgers Award – Cheshire Badgers (North Cheshire, East Cheshire & West Cheshire Network)
Outstanding Cadet Award – Greater Manchester Cadets (Wigan, Bolton & Bury, Rochdale, Oldham & Tameside, Salford & Telford, South Manchester & Stockport)
Community Education Champion Award – Harrow & Brent Network
First Aid Impact Award – Lambeth, Southwark & Wandsworth Network
Fundraising with Heart Award – Forest Network
Humanity in Action Award – Devizes & Central Wiltshire Network
Excellence in Impact Award – Central Sussex & Ouse Valley Network
Leading with Accountability Award – Merseyside Youth (South Sefton, North Sefton, St Helens & Knowsley, Liverpool, The Wirral)
Responsiveness and Resilience Award – Lancashire East Network
One St John Teamwork Award – Dacorum Network

Following the national awards, a separate ceremony was held to acknowledge individual volunteers in Sussex for their contributions to the organisation’s activities. County Commissioner, Darren Owen, reiterated praise for the Central Sussex and Ouse Valley Network for their success that evening.

Their award, attributed to the consistent and excellent first aid cover provided to Brighton Albion FC, led Club Doctor Rob Galloway to declare the stadium “the safest place in the world to have a cardiac arrest”, following seven out of seven successful CPR interventions.

Attendees were treated to refreshments and a slice of delicious cake.

Commendations were then presented by Darren, alongside Regional Commissioner Josh Hensman and Head of Volunteering for the Southeast, Jane Bailey, highlighting the efforts of individuals who have gone the extra mile within Sussex.