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A new partnership between the British Red Cross and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is set to enhance the support available to individuals and communities affected by emergencies across the region.
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, Red Cross volunteers—trained to respond 24/7, 365 days a year—will attend call-outs in a specially adapted emergency vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with essential items such as clothing, blankets and hygiene supplies to assist those suddenly displaced or in need.
The new initiative is designed not only to assist in the immediate aftermath of an incident but also to support individuals on the road to recovery.
Craig Flannery, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at MAWWFRS, emphasised the importance of the initiative in aiding community resilience: “We’re proud to be working with the British Red Cross to further support the members of the communities we serve. 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, Emergency Response Manager for the British Red Cross in Wales, echoed the sentiment: “We look forward to working alongside the Fire and Rescue Services to expand our support during emergencies, ensuring that help for people’s practical and emotional needs is available whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
The pilot project reflects a growing recognition of the complex needs people face following traumatic events. By combining frontline emergency response with humanitarian support, the partnership aims to improve outcomes for those affected and strengthen the overall emergency support network in the region.
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