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

[Fizzyplonk]

I have to do a first aid course every 2 years with work. It's hard to retain the info, particularly the CPR sequence. I think the online material is great to refresh knowledge in a non-test way.

[007hel]

In the past, through work, I have attended first aid courses, however it's been a while since my last one. If there was ever a situation where I needed to use the skills I don't think I would be confident to apply them, although I would have a rough idea, I'd question whether I'm doing it right.
I think first aid is an important skill to have, with this post in mind, I'm going to find out if they're are any courses locally, and if not why not. Maybe I could approach my local community or children's centre, to see if this is something that could be arranged. I'm sure there are lots of mums that may not have the opportunity like I had through work who would love to learn a life skill. Also it's something I would like my teenage children to learn.
The apps great I downloaded it :)

[Fizzyplonk]

Just looked at the online resources, they're fantastic really clearly laid out.

[Smoosh]

I don't think I have time to learn many new skills this year in between working full time and studying! I am training in my job though so I suppose I'm learning a lot there :)

I think it's good to keep learning new skills throughout life as it keeps your brain active.

I appreciate the work of the British Red Cross - everyone should learn first aid.

[funkyfreks]

I'd love to do a refresher course on First aid, it's funny because you think when you've done it once it's enough, but when I think about it if I actually had to use any of it after nearly a year since my last course, I'd find it hard to remember.

[SahraO]

App is very good.

I want to learn how to make my own yoghurt. I also want to learn website design.

[pennystextiles]

I already hold a First Aid certificate but recommend anyone to either go on one, or by using the app to educate themselves about basic First Aid. It coudl really make the difference to someone.

[tanyavt]

Hoping to do a Work First Aid course to become a Qualified workplace first aider.

[yummymummypb]

I have recently done a two day course with British red course it was there paediatric first aid course as I want to get into childcare to gain knowledge and maybe even save a life if needed it was a very interesting and formative course and the instructor was fantastic she kept it fun and engaging I would encourage everyone to do the course

[staceyshoes]

I have been thinking about some kind of first aid course since becoming a mum so this is definitely food for thought. Have also been looking at some courses at my local college as I would like to broaden my horizons but finding it very difficult to make any time at the moment between family life & work!

[Starlabear]

I'm hoping to do a first aid course through work some time this year! I did courses when I was younger, through Guides etc but has been a while now. Think I can remember most of the basics...
Maybe I will learn to knit properly this year. I would also like to master choux pastry and make a croquembouche!

[sadiewoohoo]

Im planning to learn sign language this year, its something ive always wanted to learn.

[zebedee01]

The app is a brilliant idea for people who haven't got round to going on a course yet. I think everyone should know first aid, you never know when you might need it! I have to do first aid for my job but I still forget things as it isn't something I need to do regularly thank goodness.

[LEE88]

I will be doing a first aid refresher soon, I think it is important to learn new things or refresh your memory. The British Red Cross information is really good too. I think it is important to make time to learn new skills even small things like trying new recipes.

[mancmummy40]

I am learning alongside my daughter as we have just started to home educate her. I plan to retake my GCSE's when she takes them :)

[TiggersAngel7774]

im ashamed to say i rely on my husband as hes been a 1st aider in work for years

[sunflowertango]

My first aid is always up to date and has been since I was 18 as for a new skill- I'm learning to play the bagpipes :)

[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!

[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!

[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! ;-)

[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!

[kel1981]

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

[manley10001]

archery

[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!