Newcastle city centre's first publicly accessible bleed control kit is set to be installed at Cosy Joes, a popular venue on the Bigg Market. The installation is being spearheaded by Kai Leighton, who runs The Mental Shift, a community interest company. The kit is expected to be in place by the end of this week.
What the kit contains
A bleed control kit provides everything required to deliver emergency treatment for a major bleed. Kai, 21, explained: "Bleed control kits were originally brought in as a response to stabbings, but they can be used in the event of any big bleed. The first few minutes are crucial, and could be the difference between life and death, and the kits are very simplistic to use."
"They contain a tourniquet, gauze, dressings, shears, and other equipment so that people are fully equipped to try and help. Even if people are just able to help slow the bleeding down until the emergency services arrive, using the visual instructions provided, it can be so important."
Plans for more kits across the city
Kai noted that existing kits are located outside local fire stations, not right in the city centre. He said: "We were very keen to get a bleed kit into the city centre, as they are currently just outside of local fire stations so not right in the city. We are hoping to bring more into the area so people have access to them across the city, as this can help to keep people safe if something does happen."
Cosy Joes is also part of a new welfare team initiative that acts as an additional resource to support people on nights out. Kai said: "Cosy Joes have been amazing to work with, and are also part of our new welfare team initiative, which acts as an additional resource to support people on nights out. We wear red high-vis and I think it is really important that people can recognise us and know where to come for help."
The Mental Shift's growth
The Mental Shift was founded in November 2022. Kai has used his own experience of mental health struggles to support young men in similar positions. The organisation has grown from just Kai to a team of people involved, and has supported over 3,500 men within its three and a half years of operations.
Kai added: "Things are going really well with The Mental Shift, we are continuing to get referrals and helping people which is really encouraging. The main issue, as is the case with so many charities, is the funding, as there is not much of it to go around, but we are doing our best."
"It's hard as everything can't be free, and I still need to make a living through this as well, so that is a challenge we are facing. However, we are still a go to organisation when it comes to helping people with mental health in the area, and I'm confident that will continue."
