Mini First Aid

13/11/2025

Really interesting research about Type 1 diabetes in children

Type 1 diabetes is worse in the young - here's why

They show cells that control blood sugar are more vulnerable in early childhood.

12/11/2025

When we think of childhood conditions, diabetes might not be top of the list – but it should be.

Diabetes UK estimate that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is an all-time high.

It's World Diabetes Day on 14th November, so this week we’re talking about a topic that’s becoming more and more important for families: diabetes in children. With cases on the rise, we want to help you understand the facts – from what diabetes actually is, to how it affects kids, the signs to watch for, and what life looks like after a diagnosis.

At Mini First Aid, where we’re all about bringing you trusted health advice in a friendly, no-fuss way. It's World Diabetes Day on 14th...

11/11/2025

A fantastic reminder from Mini First Aid South East London & Dartford about our kids classes - what an incredible life-skill to equip your child or teenager with. Check out our classes for children on our website or get in touch for more information 💚

10/11/2025

Are your child's Christmas gifts dangerous?

Mums and dads, you are probably already starting to think about, or pick up, Christmas presents and stocking fillers for your child, so this is your friendly reminder to think about potential choking and other hazards that may be present in your child's presents!

🎁 Button batteries - these little silver disc batteries are found in lots of toys and other gadgets around your house and are highly toxic. If swallowed, they can corrode your child's throat or stomach.

🎁 Lego and other small building bricks - these are not only painful to step on, but some pieces are small enough for a baby or child to swallow, and sharp edges make them easy to get stuck in a child's windpipe.

🎁 Magnet toys - these popular toys are small and easy to swallow. They can travel to the stomach and gather together, tearing internal tissue.

🎁 Balloons - balloons and other latex items are a choking hazard if swallowed or inhaled, which can happen easily if your child is blowing a balloon or playing with burst leftover material.

🎁 Buttons & detachable parts - toys or dolls with small parts like button eyes and wheels can be dangerous as items like this can fall off or be pulled off and swallowed.

🎁 Marbles - in the same way that grapes and round foods are a hazard, so are marbles that can easily lodge in your child's airway.

This list is by no means exhaustive. We don't want to be the toy/fun police, but please take a few minutes when choosing toys or gifts for your child to think about potential risks and don't leave your child to play with a new toy on their own - check it out yourself before you hand it to your child to play with.

07/11/2025

WINNER! 🎉 Our incredible franchisee Marlene Mini First Aid West & South West London took home one of the big awards at last night's British Franchising Association HSBC Awards - STAR PERFORMER!

Marlene truly is a star performer for Mini First Aid and an all-round wonderful person, and deserves this award, we are so proud.

The BFA Awards are huge in the franchising industry and to be nominated is a huge honour. Mini First Aid business was nominated for Best Franchisor - Expanding. Sadly, we didn't pick up that award, but we were so thrilled to be recognised and in the mix.

Thank you British Franchise Association and HSBC for a wonderful conference and event.

06/11/2025

Wow! This 10-year-old girl saved her father’s life using CPR she learned at Cubs - yet more proof that teaching our kids these vital first aid skills can literally save lives, what an amazing little girl 💚

Our children's classes can be run in schools, sports clubs, and community youth groups - get in touch today!

A 10-year-old girl saved her father’s life using CPR she learned at Cubs. Ava MacVarish sprang into action when her dad Dominic, 51, suffered a cardiac arrest at their home in Sonning Common, Reading. She performed CPR while on the phone to paramedics until help arrived, keeping him alive. Dominic...

06/11/2025

If your child has ever had to spend any length of time in hospital, you might have been lucky enough to experience the hospital Play Therapy team.

Play can help children cope with the trauma of hospital visits, recover faster, and even face frightening treatments with calm and confidence.

In this blog, our founder Kate is joined by Megan Holmes, a Health Play Specialist at Leeds Children’s Hospital, and parent Cheryl Duerden, whose son Seth has experienced the transformative power of play therapy firsthand.

Their conversation shines a light on the vital (but often overlooked) role of play therapy in paediatric healthcare.

When you hear the word hospital, “fun” and “play” are probably the last things that come to mind - especially when it comes to your...

05/11/2025

If you are planning on heading to a bonfire night celebration this evening, check out our top tips for staying safe 🔥 💚

Are you celebrating firework night at home this year? If so, make sure you read this blog first – it is predicted that this year 500...

05/11/2025