A new partnership between the British Red Cross and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) aims to enhance the supports available to individuals and communities affected by emergencies and crises across Mid and West Wales.
Under the agreement, British Red Cross Emergency Response volunteers will join MAWWFRS at the scene of incidents, offering vital emotional and practical support to those impacted. The initiative aims to bolster the immediate care available during emergencies such as house fires, floods and other major incidents.
The collaboration brings together the expertise and resources of two well-established organisations. MAWWFRS, the third-largest fire and rescue service in the UK, responded to more than 2,500 fire-related incidents during 2023-24, serving a population of over 930,000 people. The British Red Cross, with over 150 years of humanitarian experience, continues to support communities in the UK and globally during times of crisis.
As part of the partnership, British Red Cross volunteers – trained to respond 24/7, 365 days a year – will attend callouts in a specially adapted emergency vehicle, which has been equipped with essential items such as clothing, blankets and hygiene supplies to assist those suddenly displaced or in need. By combining frontline emergency response with humanitarian support, the pilot project aims to improve outcomes for those affected and strengthen the overall emergency support network in the region.
Speaking about the pilot project, Craig Flannery, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at MAWWFRS, emphasised the importance of the initiative in aiding community resilience: “Many of the incidents we respond to can often have major and long-lasting effects on the lives of those involved. With both organisations working side-by-side, the practical and emotional support being provided will be invaluable.”
Henry Barnes, British Red Cross Emergency Response Manager for Wales said that they stand ready to help the people of Mid and West Wales. “We look forward to working alongside the fire and rescue services to expand our support during emergencies, ensuring that support for people’s practical and emotional needs is available whenever and wherever emergencies strike.”
British Red Cross joins forces with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in new partnership; pictured (l-r): Ashley Hopkins, MAWWFRS Head of Operational Response; Laurie Wynne, British Red Cross Emergency Response Operations Manager for Wales; Henry Barnes, British Red Cross UK Community Resilience Lead; Roger Thomas, MAWWFRS Chief Fire Officer and Geraint Thomas, MAWWFRS Corporate Head of Training and Development.
