We interviewed Stacey Gwilym, Chair of Trustees at Boomerang to find out what her experience was like during our training day at Quinns Training Services

At the very end of 2024 Quinns Training Services conducted a bespoke course for Boomerang focusing on First Aid essentials, including defibrillator use, choking response in both children and adult, and much more. It’s a prime example of the bespoke training solutions we offer at Quinns Training Services, built around our clients’ specific wants, needs, and goals. Whether you’re looking for general safety training or something more specialised, we can tailor the content accordingly — and we also offer accredited training options. Attendees at this session included friends of Boomerang Charity, Boomerang staff, and fellow members from Boomerang’s BNI Chapter, making it a valuable and community-driven learning experience. Here’s what Stacey said about her experience with us at Quins Training Services…

The First Aid Training Experience
Stacey shared that prior to attending the QTS course, she wasn’t sure what to expect. However, from the moment she arrived at QTS’s offices—welcomed with coffee, biscuits, and Welsh cakes—the atmosphere was warm and inviting. She immediately felt “at home” thanks to the friendly and open office environment.

The training itself surpassed expectations. Stacey highlighted that the session covered much more than just how to use a defibrillator (defib). It addressed choking, breathing emergencies, and tailored content for all ages, including children, which is often overlooked but extremely valuable to their work. She found the pace inclusive, with the trainer patiently ensuring everyone understood before moving on. Stacey left feeling confident and empowered, ready to act in real-life situations.

”I felt confident straight away and not afraid to ask trainer Heather questions. She worked at the pace of everyone in the room and stopped to ask us if anyone was stuck or if anyone needed to help”

One surprising insight was learning that defibs give verbal instructions and sounds, guiding users step-by-step—a feature Stacey hadn’t known about before. This knowledge, combined with her personal experience with a family member’s heart attack, reinforced the importance of being prepared and confident.

”Oh, the QTS trainer was absolutely lovely, and very friendly”

Above are some images taken from the Boomerang bespoke course at the QTS head office in Cardiff

“For me, the standout part was how much more we covered than I expected. I thought it would just be about how to use a defib, but it went way beyond that. We learned about choking, breathing, and how to help both children and adults. I walked away feeling much more informed and confident than I ever anticipated.”

Why First Aid Matters for Boomerang
Given the diverse and sometimes vulnerable communities Boomerang serves, having trained staff is critical. Stacey emphasized that the training boosts staff confidence to stay calm and provide essential help during emergencies. Though Boomerang hasn’t yet faced a crisis requiring the use of the training, staff now feel ready and able, passing on knowledge to colleagues and family alike.

”Paul was genuinely overwhelmed by both the quality of the course and the generous donation. Of course, events like this help support us too, which means a lot. It’s really appreciated when opportunities like this come our way — especially since Paul and I are always here, one of us is always on-site — so we can take what we’ve learned and pass it straight on to the rest of the team.”

What the Training Meant to Stacey
“Four years ago, my father-in-law had a heart attack. My mother-in-law phoned me in a panic, and by the time I got home, she still hadn’t phoned the ambulance. That experience changed me. Since then, I’ve told everyone who’ll listen—family, friends, colleagues—about the importance of defibrillators and calling 999. For me, it’s about being prepared for the future. I hope I never have to use a defib, but if I do, I feel confident now thanks to the training. The defibrillator we have at Boomerang was donated in memory of a friend of mine, who tragically passed away just a day before his 30th birthday. He suffered a cardiac arrest in a taxi on Crews Road, and if a defib had been available, there’s a real chance he could have survived. His family has since raised money to place defibrillators all over the local area — an incredible legacy. One of those defibs is now at Spot Cans, which is actually the closest access point to my home. I went there myself to make sure the team knew how to use it properly, and that the equipment was up to date — because one thing I learned on the course is that defib pads expire, just like plasters or bandages. I didn’t know that before. You assume if it’s sealed and unused, it’s fine — but it’s not always the case. Training like this saves lives, plain and simple.”

About Boomerang Charity
Boomerang Charity is dedicated to supporting working people facing hardship—those who don’t qualify for traditional benefits or grants but still struggle to meet basic needs. From broken washing machines to furniture shortages, Boomerang offers free essential items and support, addressing what’s known as “in-work poverty.”

Founded by Paul, who experienced homelessness firsthand, the charity grew from grassroots efforts delivering furniture to people in need. Today, Boomerang continues to fill a vital gap, supporting those caught in the gap between employment and eligibility for public aid. Their open-door policy ensures no one is turned away, with support tailored case-by-case.

Photos above are just some of the examples of what Boomerang does to serve its community at their HQ in Cardiff.

Empowering Communities Village: A Vision for the Future
Currently, Boomerang is developing an ambitious project: the Empowering Communities Village. Using shipping containers, they aim to create a hub offering food, clothing, workshops, and repair services. Local tradespeople will volunteer to teach practical skills like plumbing and carpentry, empowering residents with knowledge and confidence. The village will also nurture startup businesses, helping entrepreneurs get off the ground and reinvesting profits into the charity.

This innovative approach is a beacon of hope in a challenging landscape, aiming to build stronger, self-reliant communities.

Challenges & How You Can Help
Boomerang welcomes donations of furniture and white goods, especially washing machines, which are costly and hard to source. Raffle prizes and support for community events also help raise vital funds. They organize regular social activities like prize bingo and community trips to foster connection and well-being among service users.

A Message of Hope and Collaboration
Despite growing needs, Boomerang remains committed to offering help and accurate information. They coordinate with local organizations to ensure no one falls through the cracks due to misinformation or bureaucracy. Their monthly “Let’s Do Better” meetings bring together various community stakeholders to improve support systems and reduce barriers.

Stacey’s hope for the future? That one day Boomerang won’t be needed because no one struggles without help—but until then, they’re ready to support as many people as possible, building a caring and empowered community.

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Final Thoughts from Stacey Gwilym

“The training from QTS was invaluable. It not only gave us skills but also confidence to act in emergencies. The warmth and professionalism we experienced made us feel truly supported. Boomerang is about helping those who fall between the cracks. We’re passionate about empowering people to live better lives, and with partners like QTS, we’re stronger together. We’re excited about the future with our Empowering Communities Village and hope more people get involved in this vital work.

For us, it’s really about giving the staff confidence — that’s the most important thing. Of course, you never want anyone to fall ill, but if something does happen, we don’t want the team to panic or feel helpless. It’s about knowing not to run or freeze up, but to stay calm, stay with the person, and do what you can.

We’ve got a fantastic team here — they’re genuinely passionate about what they do, and it shows. Every person who walks through our doors gets a warm welcome. This kind of training helps ensure our staff feel empowered, not afraid, to step in when it counts.

You can’t always save everyone — we all know that. But you can make someone comfortable, do your best, call an ambulance, and support others while help is on the way. That confidence can make all the difference so thank you Quinns Training Services”

💬 A Response from Quinns Training Services (QTS)

We are incredibly honoured to have delivered this bespoke First Aid course for Boomerang Cardiff and to work alongside such inspiring and dedicated individuals like Paul and Stacey Gwilym. Their commitment to community well-being and social impact is both humbling and motivating.

At QTS, we believe that every organisation deserves access to training that is not only practical but also personal—designed around the real-life scenarios staff and volunteers may face. Working with Boomerang is a shining example of what happens when training is tailored, compassionate, and community-driven. We’re thrilled to hear how the training boosted the team’s confidence and readiness to act in an emergency. These are the moments that matter most — when someone feels equipped, calm, and able to help. To hear Stacey say she feels more empowered, and that her team can pass this knowledge on to others, is exactly why we do what we do. It’s also a powerful reminder of the life-saving importance of community access to First Aid and defibrillator training — something we’ll continue to champion.

From everyone at QTS: thank you, Boomerang, for the incredible work you do, and for letting us be part of your journey. We look forward to supporting more local heroes like you across our communities.

Together, we’re not just ticking training boxes — we’re building safer, stronger, more confident communities. 💙

— The QTS Team