Voluntary Agencies have a record of assisting in the response to emergencies in the UK . This work has been recognised by the Cabinet Office, which through the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 encourages local authorities to develop links with the voluntary sector.
In Essex voluntary agencies have been working as an effective and integrated part of emergency response for many years.
There are good operational reasons to accept the help of voluntary agencies as they can provide:
- Additional trained and experienced personnel at short notice
- Skills needed in an emergency (first aid, catering, befriending etc)
- Motivated and committed teams
- Their own management structures, to assist with a co-ordinated response
- Additional equipment
The Voluntary Sector Working Group was formed in Essex to ensure that the county’s Local Authorities have excellent working relationships with the key voluntary agencies and that we are able plan in partnership to respond to emergencies in Essex. Membership of the Group is wide ranging and links to the some of the organisations can be found on the list of members below.
List of Members
Red Cross
Essex RAYNET
Essex Rover Rescue
EssexSAR
RSPCA
Salvation Army
Samaritans
Essex County Scouts
St John Ambulance
WRVS