Emergency Response Volunteers
An emergency volunteer is a local resident who has agreed to be contacted in urgent situations to help support their community. As part of CVA’s Emergency Volunteer Team, these individuals are ready to assist residents, emergency services, and local organisations when needed. They are community-based, willing to respond quickly, and are connected through dedicated WhatsApp groups to ensure fast and effective communication during emergencies.
Key Responsibilities Volunteers are expected to:
· Offer calm, compassionate reassurance to people experiencing distress or disruption
· Provide practical help within agreed boundaries (e.g. sharing information, signposting, or assisting with simple tasks)
· Use Simply Connect to find relevant local services and community support
· Report any concerns to the designated coordinator
· Follow all safety and safeguarding guidance
· Communicate clearly with the on-site volunteer coordinator
· Wear visible identification and follow all deployment instructions
What Volunteers Do Not Do: To ensure safety and clarity, volunteers must not:
· Provide counselling or clinical support
· Enter private homes unless specifically authorised
· Handle money or personal financial information
· Make promises about services or outcomes
· Act outside agreed roles or safety guidelines
