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

[Nerf]

I'm going to do BSL with Dd this year, very excited!
Am also thinking about first aid. Was going to look for a half day course as I'm scared of the dc choking but we were caught up with an rta last night and as I was talking to the call handler I realised there wasn't much I could do to help. So it's in my list.
Learning new skills is hard though, I have to make time as I work and have children, and it doesn't come easily now that I'm past forty !

[mamato3luvleys]

This year I'm hoping to start college in September so I can get myself a career and I can then get my son into nursery! Am also downloading this app, I would love to learn first aid as sometimes I freeze whenever my children hurt themselves and I know I shouldn't hope my dp will deal with it I need to learn incase he's out at work and something happens. Although my ds who's 11 has done a first aid course and is quite confident that he would know how to help his brother and sister.

[kerrytitch]

great app everything you need to know some great info and easy to use having 3 children all under the age of 10 must have app :)

[RockingDuck]

the app sounds like a fab idea
am using this year to hone my fiction writing too; and maybe to cook an edible casserole

[CatCushion]

I'm learning to crochet socks and gloves and trying to learn some German. I did a first aid course when my children were small too. Could do with a refresher now!

[CatCushion]

Oh yes! I've got a new steamer, so I'm going to try to use if to cook healthy meals.

[barbsbarbs]

i am going to learn to tap dance, ive decided, its something ive always wanted to do.x

[georgedawes]

I think the app is a great idea, particularly if it raises awareness. I did a first aid course years ago but would like to do a refresher this year, it's been a long time and I don't think I remember as much as I should.

In terms of new skills, I really want to set up my own business this year, so I'll need several to do that..sales, marketing, web design etc etc. Scary but exciting!

[Ganne]

I need to learn more admin skills, hopefully, for a job

[taz10]

As a nurse we need to keep on training all thought are career, but on a personal level it want to learn Spanish this year

[shawbarbara]

It's a good app, I liked it.

I'm also a trained first wider from work, the more first aid people know the better, it really can save lives.
Also, get it taught in every school !

[nettymay]

My sister is a paramedic so I am kept up to date with my first aid.
I am very concerned with animal welfare and have been very worried to see children ill treating them. My hope this year is that I can improve the situation, I speak to children about the care and welfare of these wonderful creatures (also some grown-ups who show the same disrespect).

[Rcollins91]

I plan to learn to cook :)

[feeona123]

It would be good to learn some first aid skills, my children's centre were running a course, but they haven't had any new courses recently.

I will also need to learn better time management skills for when I go back work after maternity leave! Getting my little one to nursery and me to work will be a nightmare!

[elli219]

My husband and I did the Red Cross baby and child first aid course when I was pregnant and I have the app on my phone which I recommend to all parents and carers.

You're never too old to learn new skills and I love learning new things. This year it's ballroom dancing which I love.

[kerryv]

I am Hoping to learn sign language this year

[melvis]

I'm hoping to learn how to knit and crochet this year.

[Ikea1234]

Wow! A great, free app! It's been a little while since I did my last first aid course, so this is great!

Aside from brushing up on my potential life saving skills, I would like to become a better gardener and allotmenteer this year.

[gnomebulb2]

I think First Aid courses are so important they should be part of the school curriculum. And, also, perhaps pregnant women could be encouraged to do a First Aid course as part of their ante natal classes. And fathers too!

[dreamerxx]

Downloading the app as I type, what a fantastic idea having something like this will give peace of mind this as I always worry that I will go blank in an emergency situation.
I am hoping to do a first aid course through work this year as its been way to long.
This year I am also learning Italian and hoping to do another correspondence course but have not yet decided which one.

[gd2011]

I've just done a First Aid course at work. Everyone should do one. You never know when you'll need it.

[Alidoll]

I sat an emergency first aid course last year and had my first incident last Wednesday - a panic attack. I had to use both first aid AND conflict handling skills to calm the person. The incident continued as he fell, banging his elbow which required a dressing to be applied. At any moment he could have turned violent so I had to remain calm yet in control of the situation.

So, what will I be learning this year - how to incorporate what I learned in the incident in delivering conflict handling courses for staff - to treat EVERY person with respect (irrespective of their background). People form preconceived ideas about individuals but when they are injured or in pain, having someone treat them with consideration and respect can mean the difference between a mumbled thank you or being assaulted.

[prwilson]

I'd love to learn some proper first aid.

[baconbap]

I'm not that fussed about learning new skillls at the moment

[Mistyblue01]

I hope to learn some crafting skills such as patchwork.