My apologies for the rather long delay between newsletters... much has been happening! I've finally recruited to our office admin post (see below) and along with training new staff and both delivering and overseeing training, personally it's been a rather exciting and busy year!
Steven and I have got engaged and I'm expecting our first child at the beginning of September (!)... this means that Helena will be covering the office as I hit 'maternity leave' and Brian, Fran & Patrick will be doing the bulk of all training course delivery for the next few months... there's also the setting up of a support group - more information below.
The team and I hope that you get to enjoy some nice weather over the coming weeks and quality time with friends and family.

Best wishes,

            Helen

Meet Helena Galloway - our Office Admin Assistant

Helena joined Underwood Training in May 2015 as our Admin Assistant. She previously working in local government before taking a break to look after her children who are now in their teens. Helena enjoys walking, yoga and reading.

Our office will be closed the week beginning 17 August and will re-open on 2 September (urgent queries, please phone our mobile number; emails will only be checked remotely ad-hoc). After the summer break, when Helen hits her 'maternity leave', Helena will be your main point of contact in the office - she works with us 3 days a week, so thank you for bearing with us on her non-work days! We do find it funny that Helen and Helena's names are SO similar and hope it doesn't cause anyone any confusion!

Anaphylaxis Support Group - Leeds

Having met 3 families over the past 2 months who have children with life-threatening allergies who carry an Epipen and myself being allergic to peanuts and tree-nuts, I'm now in the process of setting up a support group in Leeds (with 2 others!) that is linked with the Anaphylaxis Campaign charity. Currently the closest support group is in York...

We are planning our first main meeting to be at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm on Saturday 24 October 2015 - they have kindly let us have use of a room in the Education Centre and we will be there with refreshments from 10am-12 midday. Folk attending need only pay their entry to the farm (currently £2 for adults, 50p for children, free if under 2 years old) and you can then enjoy the facilities at the farm.

The purpose of the first event is to:  

- provide a place to meet others who are 'in the same boat' of whatever age - to enable swapping of hints, tips etc. 

- provide information for allergy sufferers including from the Anaphylaxis Campaign charity and the chance to use an Epipen Trainer Unit (no drugs or live needles involved!) 

- to work out what folk would like from the group and the best way forward. We are prepared to set up education sessions for school/youth group staff and sub-groups for those of different ages e.g. teenagers and adults should there be a need.  

What we would appreciate your help with:  

Please let anyone you know who suffers from Anaphylaxis know about the group - especially if you work in a school and can let families of affected children know 

Get in touch (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you want information about the group or work in a school and are interested in some staff training.   

The Anaphylaxis Campaign will be assisting us in setting us up a Facebook Page for the group and supporting us with advertising of events, so I'll point you to that in the next newsletter.   

Summer holiday safety

Summer holidays are upon us once again! When planning trips away with friends and family don't forget the following essentials:

• sun-cream/sun-hat and cover-up top
• insect repellent and/or antihistamine treatment (cream or medication)
• prescription medications
• over the counter essentials such as paracetamol/calpol and basic first aid kit - particularly plasters
• If you are going abroad don't forget to take your EHIC card - remember this can take a while to come through so apply in good time

If you are an allergy sufferer, the Anaphylaxis Campaign has a travel safety tips page on their website which you can find by clicking here. Finally remember to keep hydrated in hot weather - ice lollies are my favourite for a 'drink' without thinking about drinking - a great way to top up fluids for anyone of any age :-)  

About one of our trainees:

     Meet Zoe Saccoccio - owner of Turtle Tots West Yorkshire - complete with her 2 children! Last term Zoe attended a Paediatric First Aid course run by Helen. Zoe says:
 ' being fully trained in Paediatric First Aid is very important when teaching babies and young children to enable me to give the best possible service to my clients big and small.'
      Zoe delivers swimming courses for children suitable from birth to pre-school and will soon be starting Aqua-natal Yoga for pregnant mums too. To find out more check out her website .

If you've done a first aid course with us, and would like to supply a quote and something about you for our newsletter as Zoe has done, please contact one of us at the office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Useful Links: 

We're regularly getting asked for links to things on training courses, so will build up here a resource for anyone who has trained with us!

Medical Conditions at Schools website: www.medicalconditionsatschool.org.uk 

The SMS Emergency calls - or text 999 - must be registered for before use and you can do so here.

BCU coaches - for an update on first aid requirements for coaches click here. 

L24 - Workplace health, safety and welfare: ACOP and guidance (revised)