Red Cross volunteers

British Red Cross vehicle which provides support to people in crisis across Greater Manchester

The British Red Cross and Emergency Support Volunteers provide vital crisis support to people across Greater Manchester who are forced to leave their homes after fires or floods, often in the middle of the night.

Known as The Fire and Emergency Support Service, trained volunteers are on call 365 days a year, seven nights a week (7pm to 7am weeknights). When called upon, they attend incidents in a specially adapted camper van which provides emergency shelter for those who have been involved in domestic fires, floods or other emergency incidents.

The vehicle is equipped with clean clothes, refreshments, telephone, baby food, nappies, pet food and a camera to record the scene for insurance claims. Volunteers are on hand to provide emotional support and advice to victims including issuing them with a ‘What Now?’ booklet, which signposts the recipient to helpful and relevant organisations that may be able to assist in the aftermath of an incident. The booklet also gives practical advice on cleaning up after a fire or flood.

About the volunteers
Volunteers meet on a monthly basis at Manchester Central Fire Station and receive all necessary training to perform the required tasks, including working in tandem with the Fire Service at the scene of an incident, First Aid training, Child Protection and Support Training and Disability Awareness Training. Volunteers also learn about overcoming barriers to communication.

Could you be a volunteer?
The Service, in order to consistently and continually assist people in crisis, welcomes new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Shaun Kershaw on 07872839875 or email shaun.kershaw@ntlworld.com.

Volunteers are required to be on call, ready to help individuals or families with advice, support and the use of items provided in the Fire and Emergency Support Vehicle.  The role includes:

• Being called out in the middle of the night, at weekends and on public holidays;
• Provide crucial emotional support to families who are distressed;
• Provide a warm, safe and private environment;
• Help people find temporary accommodation;
• Signpost people to the organisations and agencies who are able to help.

Volunteers must:

• Be of a caring disposition and be keen to help others;
• Enjoy meeting people from a wide variety of backgrounds;
• Understand the needs of people who are distressed;
• Be reasonably fit and healthy;
• Be prepared to undertake essential training;
• To be prepared to work within the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross - humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality; 
• Must have access to own transport.

Read more about the Red Cross principles at www.redcross.org.uk.