British Red Cross

The specially adapted camper van which provides emergency shelter for those who have been involved in domestic fires, floods or other emergency incidents

The British Red Cross and Emergency Support volunteers provide vital crisis support to people across Greater Manchester who are forced to leave their homes.

Known as The Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS), trained volunteers are on-call 365 days a year, seven nights a week (7pm to 7am weeknights).

When called on, 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, a 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 contains helpful information 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.

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 GMFRS 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.

The service, in order to consistently and continually assist people in crisis, welcomes new volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Alasdair Corbett on 0161 888 8912 or email acorbett@redcross.org.uk