Bleed kits initiative

November/December 2023

“I don’t want any family to go through what we did. Bleed kits are now being used all over the country and they have saved many lives.” – Suzanne Hedges, Founder of the Ricky Hayden Memorial. 

Newham is collaborating with local charities to enhance the accessibility of bleed kits across the borough. Bleed kits are specialised trauma kits designed to provide bystanders with the products they need to stop life-threatening bleeding until paramedics arrive, potentially saving lives. The initiative aligns with Step 10 of the 50 Steps Strategy, focusing on a public health approach to youth safety, supporting young people’s health and readiness for adult life.

One of the charities includes the Ricky Hayden Memorial, initiated by Suzanne Hedges, who tragically lost her son to a stabbing in 2016. The charity focuses on raising awareness and providing bleed kits in the community.

Inspirational Year 6 pupils from Central Park Primary School won the national Deloitte/Debate Mate competition earlier this year with their project ‘Save Lives, No Knives’. These incredible students have donated £1000 to the Ricky Hayden Memorial, which will support 10 bleed control kits across various primary and secondary schools. For more information on support services for young people and their families visit Youth Safety.