SATURDAY PITSTOP WITH ESSEX FORD BILLERICAY – 16.2.8

First responders from four outlying parishes, new album from Hutton's Steve Curtis and a rise in Essex people needing counselling were all served up on today's Saturday Pitstop show.

Volunteer lifesavers

Bob Hewes and Mick Clow are two of the 18 volunteer members belonging to Four Parishes First Responders.  Living in the Doddinghurst and adjacent parishes they cover, First Responders arrive first on the scene of medical emergencies to get treatment underway while paramedics and ambulance crews are on their way.

Handling up to 15 calls a month, Four Parishes First Responders run a 24-hour rota of first aiders who even sleep in their clothes to be up and out within a minute of receiving an emergency call.

This rapid response service led Bob Hewes to resuscitate two patients during 2007, using the equipment on-duty volunteers carry with them such as a defibrillator and oxygen.  A total of 60 First Responder groups exist in Essex – all constantly on the look out for new recruits willing to be trained.

Phone Essex Ambulance Service's community manager John Hopkins on 01787 477545 to contact your nearest team of First Responders.

Steve Curtis:  Out of the Woods

Steve launched his second album to a packed Essex Arms yesterday.  Six weeks ago on the Saturday Pitstop, listeners had heard Steve talk about his life performing since the age of 14.  We'd sampled his 2004 debut album, Small Mercies – now complemented by Out of the Woods' 14 songs.  We played Kiss Your Love Goodbye and instrumental number Hogtied.  Steve's website is www.myspace.com/stevejcurtis

Essex charity's annual report reveals more people needing counselling

Following up on our September interview with Rosemary Linton, children and young people's coordinator for WHCM, its 2007 annual report has shown a three per cent hike in the need for counselling.  The West Ham Christian Mission helped over 1,000 people in almost 11,750 counselling sessions.

Of the 1,000 people helped, 345 were children aged up to 19 for whom relationships were the biggest problem – mainly with parents.  School has proved the best place for them to seek help, which is why WHCM works in more than 20 primary and secondary schools.

While WHCM's service is chargeable, 60% of clients were unable to contribute much towards the cost of their counselling so being able to pay for help is not a must.  A waiting list of 100 future clients is further indication of the valuable service offered.

WHCM is in Chelmsford (tel 01245 359353), Basildon and online at www.whcm.org.uk.  See more from Rosemary Linton's Phoenix FM interview at www.phoenixfm.com/story/692.php

From Essex Ford Billericay

Show sponsors Essex Ford Billericay are this weekend launching the new Ford Focus (see www.ford.co.uk).  Contact Essex Ford's vehicle sales team on 01277 652242 to test drive the new Focus and for their special offer on the outgoing Focus Zetec Climate for Phoenix FM listeners.

Article by Oliver Rowe, 16 Feb 2008
Posted in Saturday Morning with Oliver Rowe

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