To celebrate National Volunteering Week, The Dorset Local Resilience Forum, Dorset Prepared, put on a showcase event at the RNLI College in Poole.
On Tuesday 6 June, Colin Weston MBE JP, High Sheriff of Dorset, welcomed representatives from local and national organisations to showcase how emergency and response services work together for the safety of people in Dorset.
The emphasis was on working together, to build strong and resilient communities across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Supporting communities to be resilient means that should the worst happen, such as flooding or extreme weather conditions, people are prepared and can keep themselves safe. This means response organisations can make sure their efforts are concentrated on the most vulnerable.
Organisations showcasing on the day included RNLI, British Red Cross, Rotary, Wessex Flood Rescue, RAYNET (Radio Amateur Emergency Network). RE:ACT Disaster Response, HM Coastguard, Bournemouth University Paramedic Training, and Dorset Prepared. There were also information stands and networking opportunities with Dorset Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, Community Action Network, Wessex 4×4, YFW Bloodbikers, Salvation Army and Rapid Relief Team.
Nigel Osborne, Co-Chair of Dorset Prepared Community Resilience said:
“This was a brilliant event where local and national organisations could showcase their work, build relationships with other organisations to continue the great work being done. The day highlighted how important all these agencies and organisations are in making sure that Dorset residents, communities and visitors are looked after in emergency situations.
“Many of the organisations in attendance are staffed by volunteers, and so the day was also about thanking all those people who give their time to help and support others. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Dorset Prepared consists of organisations including Dorset Council, BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole), Dorset Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, SWAST and The Environment Agency, among others.
To find out more about community resilience, and what you can do, visit www.dorsetprepared.org.uk.
Could you spare some time to help others? Find out about volunteering opportunities in Dorset by visiting Volunteer Centre Dorset (www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk) or Community Action Network (www.can100.org).
