The British Red Cross have launched a new initiative to help you support the response to emergencies in your local community.

A Community Reserve Volunteer is anyone who wants to help their local community if a large incident should occur, but is perhaps unable to commit time to regular volunteering.  No specialist skills are required and you can decide whether you can respond to an incident on a case-by-case basis.

Community Reserve Volunteers will be able to carry out practical tasks such as:

• Filling sandbags;
• Clearing roads and paths;
• Moving furniture upstairs in a house before a flood;
• Sorting essential supplies, stock and equipment; and
• Various administrative roles.

You’ll work in small teams led by an experienced Red Cross volunteer who will ensure that you are well supported and directed. To sign up as a Community Reserve Volunteer or find out more visit www.redcross.org.uk/reserves