Young people from Manchester United Foundation’s partner special educational needs schools learned life-saving skills in a recent workshop at The Cliff, taking part in a Mini Medics course.

Participants from six of our partner SEND schools learned the basics of CPR, including how to give chest compressions, taking rest breathes, and next steps when responding to an emergency.

The pupils also took part in football activities, including skill games, alongside gaining their Mini Medics qualification.

Nick Bradshaw, primary schools assistant manager, explained: “We’ve had pupils from our partner special educational needs schools come down to The Cliff to take part in the Mini Medics course, which is all about basic first aid. They’ve also been taking part in some fun and healthy activities on the football pitches.

“These sessions have been taking place for a few seasons now and I think they’ve had a massive impact.”

One of the participants, Dexter, 15, from Leo Kelly School (part of Manchester Hospital School), said: “We’ve learnt how to check for danger if someone is unconscious. It’s very important because if someone you know is injured or in trouble, then you can help them.”

The Foundation began delivering Mini Medics in the 2021/22 season, with the support of journalist and United We Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten, who took on a charity bike ride from Land’s End to John O’ Groats to fundraise for the initiative.

With more than £30,000 raised, these funds helped to establish the Foundation’s delivery of Mini Medics, giving children the opportunity to learn life-saving skills and gain knowledge.

“With the funds raised by Andy Mitten, we were able to purchase some equipment and resources to support these sessions,” Nick continued.

“Since then, it’s been something that we’ve been able to use across all of our partner primary schools, to give that knowledge and understanding to the young people.”

Since February 2022, 4,194 participants have gained a Mini Medics qualification with the Foundation.