For Stop the Bleed Day 2026 (Wednesday 29 April), the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and citizenAID came together to teach young people across the North West lifesaving first aid. 

Stop the Bleed Day is an annual partner initiative that aims to equip young people with useful response skills. The skills that young people will learn could be used in a number of scenarios including a stabbing, an accidental injury, a car accident or animal attack. 

This year, over 5000 students from Greater Manchester and Merseyside were taught basic skills, resourcefulness and principles that allow for quick-thinking in emergency scenarios. This year, Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership joined Stop the Bleed Day for the first time, after 3 years of successful delivery in Greater Manchester since 2023. This kind of early-intervention work can save lives and is also vital for encouraging conversation and supporting young people towards a life without violence. 

These courses rely on dedicated volunteers and this year we were supported by colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, NHS, Greater Manchester Police and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, who spent the day visiting more than 30 schools, delivering training and offering impartial first aid advice to the young people in attendance.  

Nigel Barraclough, Paramedic and Chair of Trustees for citizenAID said: 

“I am delighted by the success of Stop the Bleed Day in Greater Manchester. This year was our best yet, training more young people than ever before. We are deeply grateful to the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit for their continued collaboration and vital support. 

“Teaching these life-saving skills is crucial; it empowers the next generation with the confidence and practical ability to intervene during a crisis. By equipping students to stop life-threatening bleeding, we are collectively building a more resilient community and ensuring that more lives can be saved.” 

Stop the Bleed Day is just one example of how the VRU is working in partnership to educate and empower young people to safely navigate growing up in an evolving landscape. 

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Article posted on: 11/05/2026 04:05pm