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

[Maclairey]

I really want to do a first aid course. My secon child is due in April and it makes me anxious that I may not know how to react in an emergency

[vixxx666]

I'm so busy this year with everything, big family birthdays, a holiday to my dads, getting married, youngest starting nursery etc so I think I'd just like to learn how to better plan my time. Oh, I'm a student aswell!

[Maddaddam]

New skills this year: I'm halfway through a Spanish A level course so that's a skill being taken to a new level. And have also just started a French conversation class - another old skill being recovered from the back of my mind.

First aid? I realise it's important but I know a bit from courses a long time ago and am perhaps being a bit lazy as my partner has first aid qualifications as he teaches watersports, and my sister and BIL are GPs and live round the corner and we often go on holiday with them. So I'm usually surrounded by people who know a lot of first aid.

I get to be the one who can translate and communicate with the foreign GP/pharmacy/hospital on holiday. Which can be useful.

"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?"

yes really important but also fun, I like learning new things. I just don't have loads of time - a fairly demanding full time job and 3 children.

[chezvic]

I've always been a bit squeamish about going on a first aid course even though I've been offered it countless times at work. However since having my daughter I feel it would be very beneficial. I am determined to overcome my squeamish fears and book on the next available course. My other skill I'd like to learn though is how to cook/ bake. My little girl is just getting to the age where she loves being in the kitchen, we've baked once this year as I said I would do something new with her every week but it was such a huge hit that I feel guilty I haven't done it again with her. She got the hang of stirring the ingredients straight away and I didn't even need to show her how to lick the spoon!! So, I will get a simple baking book and who knows where it will lead - watch out Mary Berry, I'm coming for you!!

[sleach]

sorry i am a complete waste of space and not planning on learning anything new ever.

[clarejw24]

It is a great idea to encourage people to do first aid courses. You never know when those skills could help.

[createbeauty]

This year I'm planning on learning to use a sewing machine so I can mend or alter my familie's clothes myself.

[israrbaig]

Hope to learn some computing if I can find the time

[melski1989]

Oh absolutely, learning first aid skills is a must - you never know when you'll need to use it. I'm first aid trained as I work with children and attend the refresher every year too. Very handy.

[ElectroNymph]

I like to learn new things, although I rarely learn things that are out of my comfort zone i.e. things that aren't in the realm of the arts or creativity. I think things to do with maths and sport are the most daunting for me

[littleme96]

I love the resources that you provide. First aid skills are something which everyone should know.

I am due to finish my degree this year so will have more time to learn new skills. I would really like to learn how to use my camera properly so that's probably mine. My Husband would like to try archery.

[MillyVanilli222]

I'd love to do a First Aid course - did one years ago but need a refresher. I'd definitely say check with your employer if you're in work, they may well offer them free - that's what I'm going to do!

[sammylea80]

I do a first responder refresher course every year as part of my job but this year I am going to train to become an assessor

[Cailin7]

The app looks really useful and is a good refresher to my previous first aid courses. Want to improve my gardening knowledge and skills this year.

[mynellie]

i would love to learn to speak fluent German as i studied it at school but our teacher left and he was never replaced so only really know the basics also i fancy speaking Polish as their food shops are like alladins cave and it would be wonderful to be able to converse with the lady who works there

[masterofyou2]

I'm a childminder and obviously need to have first aid training. It is easily the best skill I have. I've not had to use it in my setting but have at the playground a couple of times on weekends. I think that a basic first aid course should be included in antenatal courses, it is something every parent should have.

This year I will be looking into more health and healthy eating training.

[joanf]

I want to update my computer skills

[adjoa01]

Hello ladies,
So I jus got back from my midwife appointment I am 39weeks and in so much pain, she tells me that my son is back to back with me, any suggestions on how to get him to turn? And advice would be great, thanks so much.

[Clairemike21]

I'm talking a lifeguards course this year

[gamerwidow]

I'd going to learn how to run properly without ending up out of breath and injuring myself

[Ritakd]

This year as I work in a high school I'm going to refresh my Fist Aid training, I'd probably do it whatever my job was as I think it's really important. When our kids are old enough we'd encourage them to do it as well. I think the app is a fab idea

[phillie1]

how to work my phone properly!

[dragon60]

Not given a moments thought to learning any new skills this year, so this is making me think a bit. I can see people are recomending the app, so I will probably download and check it out, but yes, good idea, think about something new to learn this year. I might just decide to learn how to make things properly made to measure, that would be a great skill

[WarmHugs]

The app looks brilliant. I last did a first aid course a few years ago, so this is very useful.

I am learning to drive, and will hopefully pass my test in the next couple of months!

[samosh22]

I'm planning to take a first aid course