Volunteers come forward to help out in an emergency

The British Red Cross and Harborough District Council ran a joint event in the Commons Car Park in Market Harborough in June during National Volunteers Week. The aim of the event was to promote the British Red Cross Community Reserve Volunteer scheme.

Approximately 10 people said they were keen to volunteer – and more people are welcome to come forward if they are keen to lend a hand.

The Community Reserve Volunteer scheme is designed for anyone, aged 18 or over, who wants to help their local community if a large incident occurs, but cannot commit to volunteering with the British Red Cross on a regular basis. Volunteers go onto a list of people who can be contacted in the event of an emergency to see if they’re available to help out with filling sandbags, putting together food packages etc.

Councillor Michael Rickman (pictured at the event), Harborough District Council’s emergency planning lead who visited the event said: “There has been a great response to the stall which is true testament to the work put in by everyone as the weather on the day was not on our side. We’re really pleased that 10 people are keen to volunteer; hopefully it will encourage more people to sign up as it is a great way to give practical help to your community when it’s needed.”

If anyone is interested in becoming a British Red Cross Reserve Volunteer, go to www.redcross.org.uk/reserves  to find out more