A FIRST aid training course was offered to Holsworthy residents on Wednesday, February 14, at Holsworthy Bowling Club.

Instructor Stewart Westwood ably took a group of eager learners through the vital skills of life saving CPR and first aid. During the session those in attendance were also given the opportunity to try out their newly acquired skills on resuscitation dolls.

The sessions were provided by Devon Communities Together as part of its pilot project ‘Community Unity’. The project is a pilot to test the concept for a potential future roll out across the whole of Devon and Cornwall. It runs for 15 months from March 2017 and is supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Devon and Cornwall Police, in support of their ‘Citizens in Policing Strategy’. A spokesperson for Devon Communities Together said: “Devon Communities Together is pleased to offer the following training courses through its Community Unity Project for residents of Holsworthy.”

The project is working with three Devon communities: Holsworthy; Lynton and Lynmouth; and South Molton, which were chosen as representative of a range of population size, geographical spread, and location in relation to major towns and infrastructure. The spokesperson said: “Working with groups and organisations in each community, the project is helping to forge new links and encourage unity and collaboration. It is providing access to training opportunities for voluntary groups and individuals, especially young people.

“The project aims to help these dynamic, well-connected and thriving communities build a support structure that will encourage them to think of themselves as a unified team, ready and able to assist their friends and neighbours with support across a wide range of opportunities and issues. It will also equip them with the tools and skills required to make them better prepared and resilient to events such as freak weather, or minor emergencies such as power cuts.

“We’ll also help each community develop and strengthen its links with the statutory bodies, agencies and blue-light services that already serve them. Some of whom will also provide training and access to facilities for the project teams, for the overall benefit of the community.”

To see all courses organised by Devon Communities Together as part of the Community Unity project visit the website, www.communityunitydevon.org.uk