From the frontline: Nicole explains why volunteering - and young people - are vital to community resilience

Nicole is a Red Cross emergency response volunteer who’s played an active part in LRF emergency response, and also volunteers with young people as a Fire Cadet leader.

But why are volunteers so important in an emergency – and why do we need more young people to think about risk? 
We asked Nicole to share her first hand experience...

  • How many hours of volunteering do you do in a month?

I volunteer for the Red Cross from 19:00 - 07:00 seven days a week (apart from the nights that the Nottingham Panthers are playing at home!) so I can be called on to help at any time during those hours.

  • What incidents have you helped at?

I was on the ground for the Ratby and Kirby Muxloe gas outage. At first, it was very stressful, especially when you’re arriving at an incident and things are still unfolding. However, what really stood out to me was seeing the community come together and support one another, which was incredibly powerful.

  • You’ve seen the power of volunteering at first hand. Why are volunteers so important to community resilience?

Volunteers are fundamental to community resilience because they bring something that professional responders can't always provide: local knowledge, trusted relationships and a genuine connection to the communities they serve. 

They can help communities prepare before an emergency, provide additional capacity during an incident and support recovery afterwards. 

Most importantly, volunteers help empower communities to take an active role in their own resilience, rather than relying solely on emergency services or statutory organisations.

  • What do you like best about volunteering?

Getting to meet and work with people from all walks of life. 

  • You're also a Fire Cadet leader with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue. Why do you think it’s important to make young people more aware of risks and the need for resilience?

We need young people to learn to recognise risks before they become serious problems, whether that’s around emergencies, online safety, extreme weather, fire, or personal safety. 

Teaching resilience helps young people feel more confident about dealing with unexpected situations rather than feeling afraid or overwhelmed. 

Young people are also a key part of their local communities. If they understand the risks and know how to respond, they can help keep themselves, their families, and others safer.

  • What one piece of advice would you give to young people to help them be better prepared for key risks?

Take a few minutes to understand the risks that could affect you and your community, and think about simple steps you could take if something happened. 

That could be knowing how to contact emergency services, understanding what to do in a fire or severe weather event, knowing where you would go if you had to leave your home, or simply checking that you have important contact details to hand.

  • How has being part of the LRF changed your own attitude to resilience? Are you more prepared at home – and, if so, how?

Yes, I have an emergency grab bag stocked with the essentials, and I'm also aware of the of the risks in my local community. 

We can't prevent every emergency from happening, but we can all make sure we have the knowledge and skills to respond safely when something unexpected happens.

(Image courtesy of British Red Cross)

Interested in volunteering?

Check out our volunteering page for useful links and information to find out how you could make a difference in your community.