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Newport City Radio – Live Right here, Right Now
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Episode 78: What'll be in the box at Elimination Chamber?
Kym with Linda from Mini First Aid
On a cold South Wales day...
On a rainy day in the studio, we welcomed Linda McCarthy, franchise owner of Mini First Aid Cardiff & Newport, to talk about the invaluable work she does teaching lifesaving skills to parents, grandparents, carers, and even young children.
From Nursing to First Aid Education
Linda’s journey into Mini First Aid came after a long and dedicated career in nursing. Having worked in cardiology and as a district nurse within the NHS, she found herself considering a new path while on maternity leave with her fourth child. A chance encounter with a baby and child first aid class inspired her to explore the Mini First Aid franchise—and she soon fell in love with the idea of empowering others to save lives.
Six and a half years later, Linda is now into her third franchise contract and continues to run a thriving business offering first aid classes across Cardiff, Newport, Penarth, Torfaen and surrounding areas.
Who Are the Classes For?
Mini First Aid offers a two-hour class designed for:
- New and expectant parents
- Grandparents
- Babysitters
- Aunts and uncles
- Anyone who spends time with babies or young children
The classes focus heavily on practical, hands-on learning, with participants practicing CPR, recovery positions, and age-appropriate choking techniques using baby and child manikins.
Choking remains one of the biggest fears for parents, especially during the weaning stage, so it’s no surprise that this topic often drives people to book.
A Social Lifeline for New Families
While the primary aim is to teach emergency skills, the classes often take on a social dimension. Parents meet others going through the same stage of life, and groups such as antenatal classes often attend together. Some families even return years later for a refresher when a second baby arrives.
Reaching Communities Across South Wales
Linda holds regular classes at popular venues including:
- The Old 0Church Rooms, Radyr
- John Lewis Cardiff’s Discovery Room
She also offers private sessions in people’s homes—perfect for families who prefer a more personal setting.
Bookings are essential, as each class is limited to ensure high-quality instruction, typically hosting between 12 and 16 people.
Teaching the Youngest Life Savers
Mini First Aid doesn’t just teach adults. The organisation also provides first aid education for children as young as three, all the way up to teenagers. For the youngest learners, the classes are playful and interactive, involving big teddy bears and simple guidance on calling 999, treating bumps, and using plasters.
Linda explains that young children absorb this knowledge incredibly well—they’re “like sponges”—and stories of toddlers successfully calling for help in real emergencies are a testament to the importance of early education.
Growing Demand and Trusted Support
Though Linda works tirelessly—often with 10–15 hours of admin work per week—she isn’t alone. She has two freelance trainers who help cover classes during busy periods. Peak demand tends to fall in September and January, when families are looking to start something new.
Word of mouth remains her strongest source of new clients. Families who have attended her classes continue to recommend her, and many stay in touch for years.
Where to Find Linda
Anyone interested in booking a class or learning more can reach Linda through:
Website: www.cardiff.minifirstaid.co.uk
Email: linda@minifirstaid.co.uk
Social media: Facebook & Instagram
Text or WhatsApp: Available for enquiries