What we cleaned up:

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
For the first time in sixteen weeks…
NOT A SINGLE THING.

No needles.
No broken glass.
No mystery food piles.
No chaos debris.

Why?

Because the council are now inspecting the area before we meet and that is entirely thanks to our MP, who saw what we were dealing with and made one phone call that changed everything.

A safe entrance.
A clear path.
A small victory that feels like a big one.

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Best excuse of the night:

No excuse required the Cubs were focused.
(Well… Cub-level focused. Which counts.)

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Best moment:

A Cub said,
“If my friend gets hurt, I can help now.”
And that’s the whole point.

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Tonight: First Aid Stage One

This week was one of the most important sessions we will ever run.

Games are fun.
Cooking is useful.
Pioneering is brilliant.

But First Aid?
First Aid changes lives.
First Aid saves lives.

And on an estate where accidents, injuries, and emergencies are more common than anyone wants to admit
this training is not optional.
It’s essential.

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Calling 999 Practise That Could Be Life or Death

We taught them:

• how to call 999
• what to say
• staying calm
• speaking clearly
• giving your location (VERY important on an estate of identical blocks!)
• why you NEVER joke about calling emergency services

They practised with real scripts on pretend phones
and some were excellent.

One Cub said:
“If I say ‘we’re by the broken swing’ will the ambulance know where to go?”
Honestly?
Probably yes.

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Bleeding & Bandaging Cub Style

We moved on to:

• treating minor bleeding
• putting on pressure
• when to get help
• how to reassure someone

And then… the bandages.

Bandaging practice included:

• one mummy impression
• one Cub wrapped like a burrito
• one leader nearly fainting due to overly enthusiastic wrapping
• several “creative” techniques that will not be used in real emergencies
• one Cub shouting,
  “I AM THE DOCTOR NOW.”

But beneath the silliness,
they really did learn.

And for some of these kids
kids who see real injuries, real violence, real emergencies —
these skills aren’t theoretical.

They are needed.

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Safe vs. Unsafe Situations

We talked honestly and gently about:

• when to stay back
• when to get an adult
• when to call 999 immediately
• how to keep yourself safe while helping someone else

Estate life means our Cubs witness things they shouldn’t.
Giving them knowledge helps replace fear with confidence.

One Cub said,
“If someone is hurt and I’m scared, I can still help.”
That’s courage.

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A Week Without Chaos, But Full of Purpose

It felt different tonight.

Calmer.
More focused.
More grown-up.

Maybe it’s because the entrance was finally safe.
Maybe it’s because this topic matters deeply.
Maybe it’s because these kids are starting to realise how much potential they have.

Whatever the reason,
tonight was one of those sessions where we see exactly what Cubs can do for a community.

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Week Sixteen Verdict

• First aid taught:
• Skills learned: life-saving
• Entrance now safe: HUGE
• Cubs engaged and proud: absolutely
• Leaders emotional watching them grow: 100%

Sixteen weeks ago, this Pack was an idea.
Tonight, it felt like a force for good.

Small heroes in green jumpers.
Ready to help their community.
Ready to help each other.

Next week more adventure.