EMERGENCY services in Gloucestershire are seeking volunteers at this year’s recruitment event to join their teams.
The event will take place Saturday April 27, 2024, from 10:30am to 3pm at Mariners Church, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2EN.
Hosted by Gloucestershire Constabulary, the event will have experienced professionals and volunteers from a variety of emergency services, who prospective volunteers can speak with.
These include Gloucestershire Police, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, South West Ambulance, the NHS, Severn Freewheelers, the Crime Prevention Team and SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association).
Gloucestershire Police said: “This event is for anyone who would like to know more about what volunteering roles are available and how these roles make a difference to the people of Gloucestershire.”
“The Constabulary will be promoting our volunteer schemes such as Special Constables, Volunteer Police Cadets, Volunteer Police Community Support Officers and many other unique volunteer routes.”
The recruiters hope to speak with volunteers that can help them bring new ideas and skills to the services, which can be valuable in emergency situations.
Linda O'Brien, Special Constabulary and Employer Supported Policing (ESP) Coordinator Citizens in Policing Department for Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: "Volunteers bring different knowledge and skill sets and it generates fresh ideas into the force.”
“It enables local people to be involved in policing their communities, building up positive relationships and contributes to making our county a safer place to live and work.”
“Volunteers provide additional resources, and have set up specialist operations and initiatives. They add significant value and impact to our regular officer’s/police staff roles.”
“We value and invest in our volunteers, they gain specialist skills that aid with professional and personal development but ultimately they gain a sense of accomplishment and achievement whilst giving back to their communities."
The hosts of the event provided an expected itinerary for the day. This includes:
11am – Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue - Water Pumping Demonstration
11.30am – SARA – Water Rescue Demonstration
12pm – How to become a Special Constable
12:30pm – Meet our Volunteer Police Cadets
1pm – Great Western Air Ambulance Charity - Learn CPR
2pm - SARA – Water Rescue Demonstration
