By Molly Magennis
A not-for-profit organisation is offering free first aid training for disadvantaged parents in Newport.
The Sisterhood Project, in conjunction with PAEDS first aid, are opening up three spots to low income families to attend their Baby and Child First Aid course for free.
The new organisation, which is in the process of becoming a charity, was started by western suburbs mum Skye Larson and her sister Grace, who is a paediatric intensive care nurse.
The two created The Sisterhood Project to fund first aid courses, which can cost up to $100, for the disadvantaged who may not be able to afford the chance to gain such crucial skills.
According to the organisation, first aid knowledge for babies and children is an essential skill that can mean the difference between life and death.
“First Aid training is widely available in Victoria, but it can be very expensive. Courses start at around $90 and some can be as high as $140. For some people, that cost is far too high when they can barely afford to pay for housing, food and other essential items,” Grace said.
“Throughout my career I have seen first-hand the huge impact knowing First Aid can have on the survival of infants and children.
“I have also seen the unfair disadvantage many low income and vulnerable parents have when it comes to affording this training. That is why we started The Sisterhood Project, so we can make a real difference in the outcome of childhood injuries.”
The Baby and Child First Aid training will take place on April 23 from 12:00pm to 3:30pm at the Newport Library, 13 Mason Street.
Those who are interested can apply for themselves or nominate someone else via The Sisterhood Project’s Facebook page or help.sisterhoodproject@gmail.com.
Details: www.facebook.com/the.sisterhood.project22
