First Aid Training with Millies Trust

Occasionally, Allergy and Asthma Parents host events from outside agencies to support families.

Recently we hosted a paediatric first aid course, hosted by Millie’s Trust. Millie’s Trust is a UK-based charity organisation that was established in 2012 following a tragic incident involving Millie Thompson, a nine-month-old baby who passed away due to choking at a nursery. Millie’s parents, Joanne and Dan Thompson, founded the charity with the aim of providing first aid training to parents, caregivers, and anyone responsible for the care of children.

The primary focus of Millie’s Trust is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to medical emergencies involving babies and young children. They offer paediatric first aid courses that cover topics such as CPR, choking, seizures, burns, and other common childhood emergencies. The courses are designed to be accessible and informative, giving participants the confidence and ability to provide immediate assistance in critical situations.

As well as being an informative and enjoyable evening, the end of the session was specifically focusing on allergies, anaphylaxis and asthma. We received information on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of allergies, anaphylaxis and asthma as well as guidance on appropriate first aid interventions.

Though for many this was a refresher, it was great to have the conversation opened up and a chance for us to speak about times we have managed these emergencies ourselves and the first aid, medication and treatment that we had given. As well as offering us support regarding caring for individuals with these conditions, it also supported us in sharing those difficult times and feeling able to relate and build relationships with others that had too.

Millie’s Trust also campaigns for improved first aid training in early years settings, advocating for legislation requiring all nursery staff to have a valid paediatric first aid certificate. They work with various organisations and government bodies to raise awareness about the importance of first aid training and the impact it can have in saving lives.

To find out more about Millie’s Trust, their initiatives, and the courses they offer, please visit their website at www.milliestrust.com.

The main ethos of our group is inclusion. We want to create a space where everyone feels safe, included and valued.

Allergy and Asthma Parents was established in 2019 and has grown and developed since it first began. As well as our active social media pages, we have found our WhatsApp group to be a wonderful resource for families and a place where friendships have blossomed and grown.

Once monthly we have our Stay Chat and Play sessions. These groups are available for families to come to come together, bring along the little ones if preferred and have a brew and a chin wag, whilst also having access to the wealth of resources. During these sessions, toys and activities are provided for the children, as well as a ‘safe’ drink and snack for all. Our Stay, Chat and Play sessions also provide our ‘Free From Library’, an array of books which are free for families to borrow and our ‘Free From Pantry’ where we aim to offer support to local families in need.

Another of our monthly groups include Sip and Support, a support group in the local pub. We bring along our information resources and trainer adrenaline auto-injectors, though this session is really a great opportunity for individuals to blow off steam, unload, lend a listening ear to another and offer your advice based on personal experience. Again, lifelong friendships have been formed in this group. It is laidback and relaxed and a safe space to talk.

Occasionally, Allergy and Asthma Parents offer courses and other more structured groups for those who wish to attend. Most recently we had First Aid training by Millie’s Trust, with a focus on allergies and asthma. We have also had mental health support groups with author and mental health advocate, Emma Amoscato.

If you would like any more information on the support that we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: stockportallergyasthma@gmail.com