Keeping Central Coast kids safe and empowering grandparents with confidence: Safe With Me Workshops
Written by: Bec Page
With eight grandkids to keep her busy, the Central Coast’s Jenny Darvas knows the immense joy, fun and laughter grandchildren can fill their grandparents’ lives with.
She knows that no two days in the playful company of little ones are the same, and as a seasoned critical care nurse with four decades of experience, including more than a decade in the paediatric intensive care unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital, she also knows how quickly joy can turn to panic when the unexpected happens.
That’s why she’s on a mission to equip grandparents with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to handle any emergency situation with their grandkids, through her Safe With Me Kids CPR and First Aid Workshops.
“I’ve seen the absolute heartbreak that occurs when caregivers don’t know how to respond in an emergency,” Jenny told Coasties.
“I’m passionate about equipping grandparents with the knowledge and skills they need to respond confidently and effectively, to help keep their grandchildren safe.
“I’m not here to cause grandparents more anxiety and fear, but rather to allay these emotions, as they grow in knowledge and confidence around how to respond to childhood emergencies.”
With workshops tailored specifically to the unique needs of grandparents, Safe With Me covers a wide range of topics, from CPR techniques to first aid for common emergencies like burns, falls, near drowning, allergies, seizures, and more. Jenny’s expertise shines through as she guides participants through interactive sessions, ensuring they not only understand the concepts but also feel confident putting them into practice.
One of the key aspects of Safe With Me workshops is a focus on keeping participants up-to-date with the latest guidelines and techniques. Jenny emphasises the importance of staying informed and adaptive in the ever-evolving field of first aid.
“Feedback from participants has all been overwhelmingly positive,” Jenny said.
“Many grandparents are surprised by how much has changed over the years, especially when it comes to CPR and choking procedures. We’re here to debunk old myths and equip grandparents with the most effective, evidence-based techniques.”
But Safe With Me isn’t just about teaching technical skills – it’s about instilling confidence. Jenny understands the fear and uncertainty that can accompany an emergency situation and aims to empower grandparents to act decisively and effectively.
“It’s about changing outcomes,” Jenny said.
“Accidents happen, but with the right knowledge and skills, we can make a difference. The workshops are designed to give grandparents the confidence to respond to most medical emergencies while waiting for qualified emergency services to arrive.”
Plus, you’re in for a treat with her friendly, kind nature and willingness to have a good chat (put the kettle on!) as she gets to know your own family dynamics, so she can tailor the workshop to your needs.
Participants in Safe With Me workshops can expect a hands-on learning experience in their own home over about three hours, with plenty of opportunities to practice life-saving techniques and ask questions. Jenny’s passion for teaching and dedication to her craft shine through in every session, making for an engaging and informative experience.
So, if you’re a Central Coast grandparent looking to brush up on your first aid skills and gain the confidence to tell your kids that their kids are “safe with me”, then enrol in a Safe With Me course and tell Jenny Coasties sent you.
Find out more at www.safewithme.com.au
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