Volunteer Hub

Heart Hero Instructor 2026/27

Organisation Details

University of Manchester Volunteering & Awards Team

Sub theme: Health and Wellbeing, Hospitals and Hospices
Description of role: A basic knowledge of emergency first aid can save lives!

The Heart Heroes project equips University of Manchester students with the practical ability and the confidence to train others in vital basic life saving skills including CPR, giving you a real chance to make a difference during your time in Manchester.

You will be part of a group of trained Heart Heroes Instructors, who will work together to teach groups of 12 - 20 people in sessions which last 2 hours, held on campus, as well as in local community settings such as youth groups and community centers.

The Heart Heroes sessions will cover:
- delivering effective CPR
- using an AED
- how to help someone who is choking
- putting someone into the recovery position

You will be expected to commit to attending one full day of training on Saturday 24 October 2026 and to deliver a minimum of four training sessions during the academic year.

Applicants MUST be available for the training day: Saturday 24 October 10am - 4pm, University Place

This is a University supported volunteering project - staff from the Volunteering and Peer Support Teams will be on hand throughout the year to book sessions in and provide ongoing support to the Heart Heroes team.

What does the Heart Heroes project involve?

You will receive training on how to deliver sessions in Basic Life Support (BLS), covering a range of first aid topics including the recovery position, CPR, choking, and heart attack. There will also be a number of student nurses who take part in the project and help out at the sessions.

Throughout the year you will work in small groups to plan and deliver sessions in various places on and off campus. The sessions will need to be slightly adapted to each audience, taking into account the age of the participants, the time available and the topics they would like to cover.

You’ll use a range of resources to help you deliver the sessions including training manikins and video clips for each of the topics. You’ll be responsible for looking after the equipment and ensuring it is in good working order for each session.

How much time will I be expected to spend on the project?

The Heart Heroes project will take place across both semesters of the academic year, with the initial training session taking place in semester one. The training session will equip you with all the knowledge and skills you need before start to deliver your own sessions. Sessions can be booked to fit around your availability and we ask that you commit to delivering a minimum of four sessions across the year, although we would encourage you to do more if you can!

Do I need to have first aid experience?

You don’t need to have prior experience in first aid to become a Heart Heroes Instructor. An interest in helping others to learn new skills, presenting in front of groups, as well as the subject matter is desirable, but we will support you to take part and develop skills in these areas if you aren't quite confident yet.

What will I get out of the project?

You will receive full training as a Heart Heroes Instructor which includes a complete run-through of the skills you will be delivering and tips on how to deliver sessions effectively. You will gain experience and increase your confidence in delivering practical sessions and presenting to groups of different ages and backgrounds in a range of settings. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in other initiatives including promoting first aid to other students and taking part in fun first aid events. The Heart Heroes team will get a t shirt and certificate.

If you are interested please click apply now and we will send you a short online application form. If you have any questions you can email heartheroes@manchester.ac.uk.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Public Speaking, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: No
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon, Saturday Morning, Saturday Afternoon
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Minimum hours commitment: 15
Location: