Save a Baby's Life Co-ordinator

Hira Hassan

I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a friendly society for the past 2 years and I would love to apply to be SABL coordinator and take a more active role in running the scheme next year. It’s such an immersive experience to get to know more people, teach valuable life skills and get involved in the community all in one. I believe I would be suitable for this role as I’m organised, friendly, a hard worker and I can promise to put my 100% into the scheme. I understand this role needs strong communication skills between the volunteers and the nurseries/community centres and I can deliver on this confidently. SABL has so much potential and some of the ideas I had include:

Flexible timings – afterschool shifts

Introducing online resources – a recap video filmed by the SABL team demonstrating the first aid and an online booklet outlining key points and what to expect on the shift

Using the Facebook page to promote amongst medics and non-medics more and introducing a WhatsApp group for volunteers

New logo competition

A collaboration with the outreach programme (intro to paediatrics x SABL crash course) to target schools and more parents

In terms of experience, I was a TBH volunteer in my first year, and SABL officer and conference officer for the paediatrics conference this year. I understand the need for patience and good communication with the parents and how to adapt the sessions flexibly according to attendance. Due to being SABL officer this year, I managed to get a good insight into the project. For example, I got to liaise with the RLSS to see how much we could get done with changing COVID guidelines, correspond and get to know nurseries and understand the behind the scenes admin work that goes on, such as updating volunteers and mailing lists, ensuring DBS checks and safeguarding have been done and getting to work in a wonderful team like I did. Being conference officer taught me a lot about communication and confidence which I believe will help me immensely in this role.

Shivam Mehta

Having been a SABL officer this academic year, I aim to take a step up and become coordinator of this scheme. I am fully aware how this scheme runs and believe I can put the skills I have gained this year to good use. With the difficult year that has just gone by, this scheme has been unable to run at its full capacity, however this year I strive to ensure that things can return to normal as this scheme is truly worthwhile.

I would aim to increase publicity and awareness about this scheme and would happily liaise with external personnel to take this scheme to the next level - potentially implementing new locations and more frequent sessions. I propose putting on regular committee events to ensure that we are all close which will benefit each of us in performing our roles to our best capabilities. Furthermore, more fundraising events like bake sales, could be arranged, supporting a wider range of charities too. I would focus on making the Welcome event a huge success too, encouraging people to join the society and scheme from day one.

I am dedicated to making this rewarding scheme the success it deserves to be.

As mentioned before, I have been an officer for this scheme this year, working closely with the coordinator so I am fully aware at how to run this scheme and believe I can manage the workload required. Having volunteered with children in the past, I am very keen in encouraging other students to volunteer and would be very determined to ensure SABL sessions are run smoothly and efficiently. Being part of the Hindu society subcommittee at KCL this year has helped me possess the organisational skills that will benefit this society and demonstrates I am able to communicate well with fellow committee members and volunteers. Furthermore, my role as community engagement officer on the Marrow society this year has allowed me to be able to reach out within the community, henceforth I am comfortable with people from all different backgrounds – a skill which is essential when running this scheme.