Avon Fire & Rescue Service is celebrating The British Red Cross, which helps millions of people in the UK and globally to cope after a fire or other emergency by providing help, advice and comfort.
Photo courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue Service
During Red Cross Week, from 6th – 12th May, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) will be celebrating its long running partnership with the Red Cross and thanking them for their support.
During the last 12 months, Red Cross volunteers have supported AF&RS at 48 incidents. A specially adapted Emergency Response Vehicle which contains clothes, food and shower facilities is located at Hicks Gate Fire Station and is available to respond when people are affected by a serious incident or emergency situation.
As well as offering assistance, over 20 volunteers from the Avon area are trained to provide practical and emotional support which can make a huge difference to people in their time of need.
The Red Cross relies on donations from members of the public and by making a contribution you can help people in desperate need.
Visit https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/donate to give what you can.
Tim Cann has been a Red Cross volunteer for 30 years and has been providing support during local emergencies for more than 21 years.
Tim said: “There have been lots of memorable moments during my years of volunteering. Obviously we are dealing with people who are in shock and facing one of the worst days of their lives, but I get a huge amount of satisfaction from helping people.
“They are always so grateful for the support we provide – even if that’s just making them a warm drink or arranging accommodation. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.”
AF&RS Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Rob Davis said: “We’re always grateful to the Red Cross for the support they are able to provide at incidents.
“Being a reassuring presence, giving immediate shelter in the form of the Emergency Response Vehicle and being able to assist with practical support such as arranging temporary accommodation is invaluable.”
Housed in the Emergency Response Vehicle will soon be some hand knitted firefighters for children affected by incidents. They have been kindly knitted by Joyce who wanted to do something to say thank you after firefighters visited her home to undertake a Home Fire Safety Visit.
Hayley Moon, Emergency Response Officer at the Red Cross said: “We’re very grateful to Joyce for taking the time to knit these lovely figures, which I’m sure will be a comfort to any of the children who require the support of our volunteers and the Emergency Response Vehicle.”
If you’re interested in volunteering for the Red Cross, you can find out more here: www.redcross.org.uk/volunteer.
