Chance to win £250! New year, new skill? How about first aid? Share your thoughts with the British Red Cross NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

We have been asked by the British Red Cross to find out - in general - what new skills you're planning to learn or find out about in 2015?

They say "the new year is a time for thinking about learning something new in the year ahead. British Red Cross would like all mumsnetters to equip themselves with a new life skill in 2015 by learning first aid for baby and child - on a course, online or by downloading the free Baby and Child First Aid app".

So, what new skills are you planning to try and learn this year? If it's first aid, how will you learn this? How do you feel about learning new skills these days? What about your partner? How do you find the time to learn new things as you get older? Do you think it's important to do this?

If you're keen on finding out about learning some first aid skills - do check out the resources from the British Red Cross:

Courses info
Online materials
Free App

And let us know on this thread what you think.

Share your thoughts on learning new skills generally and any feedback on the British Red Cross first aid for baby and child info on this thread and you'll be entered into a prize draw where one lucky MNer will win a £250 John Lewis voucher.

Please add your comment by 26 January 2015. Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

[georgedawes]

Oh my goodness, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm absolutely shocked and thrilled. Wow!!

[AnnMumsnet]

Thanks for all the comments.
Am pleased to say georgedawes has won the £250 John Lewis voucher!
Well done...

[fluffyblueberry]

Many years ago, I did a first aid course at school but don't remember it now! Interested to download the app -- perfect timing because I was only JUST thinking about this yesterday and how important it is. Funnily enough, I think I'm even more interested in learning new things now I'm in my 30's.

[beehummingbird]

I think first aid is a useful thing to know and would like to learn it.

[GirlOverboard]

A course in first aid/CPR is something that's always been on my 'to do' list but I've never got round to doing. I'll hopefully get round to it this year though.

[ktandspen]

I learnt baby 1st aid but now the boys are older I really should update for larger children

[welshpolarbear]

I've downloaded the app and think it's great. I think I need to learn it more though rather than using it in an emergency as I'm not altogether sure I wouldn't panic. I would probably really benefit from going on one of the courses. I also plan to learn Pilates this year to try and get more of a core fitness for myself.

[cwillson]

Three years ago, as part of my scout leader role, I learnt first aid, refreshed that training last year, 2 years ago I learnt how to train others in the art of archery, this years challenge is to lean how teach wall climbing and abseiling all as part of a very rewarding scout leader programme, recommend it to all!

[hannahlw85]

It all depends on how a current health issue goes as to whether I will be learning any new skills, but I'm into crafting and some of which I'm able to do from bed so I'm thinking I might learn a new craft this year if possible.

[HelenSw4les]

I'm planning on learning BSL (British Sign Language) this year; I have started and know some of the (very) basics but am not fluent at all.

In terms of the British Red Cross, I completed a first aid course many years ago however this article has reminded me how necessary a skill this is and that I must re-do the course and refresh my memory and skills, not only for the sake of my own children but for others too.

[becky814]

This is a really good app. I used to do first aid in my previous job but it is nice to brush up on those skills

[littlemisstrivia]

I would like to learn baby and child first aid as I have a new baby and a 3 year old.

[VickyRsuperstar]

I will be downloading the app straight away as I haven't done any first aid courses in years. I did several as a child and in my teens, but a reminder would be good as I have several small children.
I'd also like to expand my IT skills - I have professional qualifications, but in the 15 years since I did them, everything I knew is now going to be totally outdated!

[RCLEARY57]

First Aiding and Fire Marshalling in work :)

[pillowaddict]

Would love to refresh my first aid this year as it's been a while since I have had the opportunity to attend one - I used to access it though work. This year I will be on maternity leave and hope to have some time to attend a new exercise class later in the year and also an online course in creative writing.

[chriskeenan86]

I'm trying to enrol on a first aid course through work. Until then doing my own research online.

[09babisham]

I was a trained First Aider at work, I worked at a small theme park so it came in very handy. Since leaving to have my twin boys my first aid has expired so I shall be looking to renew it at some point this year, I am also thinking about learning sign language as its a great life skill and very helpful in all sorts of situations x

[FUZZ62]

I am already a qualified paediatric nurse so feel I am fully confident in first aid, my skill will be to successfully teach my 3 young boys the importance of road safety...

[linheiner]

Very useful app and info. This is the sort of thing that people often don't think about until suddenly they find themselves in a situation where they might need it. I'm hoping to learn some new cooking skills this year and broaden my culinary repertoire!

[manley10001]

archery

[kel1981]

I'm planning on learning more diy so that I can repair things in the home more safely!

[reenu]

The free app is fab! I have done first aid course a long time ago so I am planning to do it again this year to brush it up!

[Carriecakes80]

A few years back I had to deliver a friends baby, alone, in the middle of the night in a freezing cold corridor, and I was petrified. The Babe was born ok amazingly despite being almost a month early, but ever since I have wanted to learn more about first aid for children. My dad is a paramedic and my mum is a nurse so I know some bits, however having four children of my own, I would feel more secure if I were able to take some first aid courses on childrens health, would make me a much more confident mummy! ;-)

[piggypoo]

To keep up my first aid skills, I think this is vital, I saved a life by performing the abdominal thrust on a child that choked on a piece of lettuce! An amazing life-skill that I have never forgotten!

[pockledigg]

I am planning to learn Welsh. I live in Wales and there are a lot of Welsh speakers around so I think it would be a good idea and hopefully, a bit of fun. My only concern is at my age (47) I seem to have a lot more trouble retaining information than I used to. My brain just doesn't seem as 'fit' as it used to be-time to get it in shape!