Red Cross Life, Issue 94, June 2013

The magazine for British Red Cross volunteers and staff

Issu

e 94

Jun

e 20

13

S A N C T U A R YWhy more vulnerable refugees are turning to the Red Cross

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Red Cross Life Issue No.94 June 2013

0845 054 7311 redroom.redcross.org.uk/life

Editorial team Editor Miriam Jones Deputy editor Mark Cox Art editor Bryan Meredith Writers Craig Burnett, Ellie Matthews, Alexandra Murdoch, Sarah Oughton Deputy art editor Robin Stannard Designer Sarah Trentham, Photography Matthew Percival

Abbreviations used: the Movement = International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross the Federation = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent SocietiesRed Cross Life is published by the communications coordination department of the British Red Cross, UK Office, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL. The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SC037738).

None of the information contained herein may be copied, reproduced or used for external purposes without specific written authorisation from the British Red Cross. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the British Red Cross.

Red Cross Life is printed on chlorine free, 50 per cent recycled paper.

Tell us your story If you have a story you would like us to consider call Mark Cox on 020 7877 7037 or contact [email protected]. The deadline for our October issue is 6 August 2013.

Can you imagine what it’s like to come to the UK from another country, as a refugee, and not know where to turn for help?

I know exactly what this feels like, because it happened to me. When I fled to the UK from Zimbabwe, I didn’t know where to start. I was so lonely.

That’s why the Red Cross refugee support service is so important. It shows refugees how to go about things here, helps them fill in forms to access legal help, healthcare and accommodation and provides

food vouchers for those who are destitute. It also connects you with other people from your country, so you don’t feel so alone.

Because of cuts to funding and legal aid, the whole service is under more pressure than ever. You can find out how it is meeting this challenge on page 14 and read stories from the Portsmouth drop-in refugee centre, which is where I received help and where I now volunteer.

It’s also Refugee Week (17-23 June), a chance to raise awareness of this vital service and everything refugees give back to the UK. We’ll be celebrating in Portsmouth and Southampton – visit redcross.org.uk/refugeeweek to find out about events near you.

This year, Red Cross Week was bigger than ever, with events to raise funds and awareness taking place across the country. From the remote Shetland Islands to the heart of London, there were bakes, walks, sponsored events, collections and all manner of other fundraising feats (see pages 22-23).

As well as advertising pushes on national TV, in Metro newspapers and on the London Underground, giant installations toured the country throughout the week. Strollers in Glasgow, Belfast, Birmingham and Cardiff were treated to an eyeball-wobbling piece of 3D art. The work showed a super-sized stack of newspapers, with ‘Red Cross Weekly’ at the top of the pile.

Passersby were invited to stand ‘inside’ the newspaper, next to the fearsome dog from our TV adverts, and have their photograph taken. While the Alsatian was painted, Amy Ebbutt – star of the ‘I am a crisis’ campaign – was there in the flesh, talking about how crisis has affected her own life.

Meanwhile, weekend shoppers in London’s Covent Garden and Manchester’s Trafford Centre were invited to appear in the headlines of the British Red Cross’ giant newspaper installation. Using an iPad app, passersby could choose a headline, add their own name and take photo of themselves. These then appeared on the screen at the top of the installation.

A Red Cross Week microsite was created especially for the Red Cross Week – receiving thousands of visitors and prompting hundreds of people to sign up to get involved. There was also an online newspaper

app, which people used to make their own front page to share on Facebook and Twitter.

Head of community fundraising Nicci Walmsley said: “This year’s Red Cross Week has been bigger and better than ever before. Our

dedicated staff and volunteers pulled out all the stops – as they always do – and the external advertising push motivated even more people to donate or sign up to fundraise.”

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First wordMolly Jamare, Refugee support volunteer

News

Red Cross Week makes headlines across the UK

Children in conflict

Young heroes wanted

Why refugees

turn to Red Cross

ISSUE 94 JUNE 2013

I am a crisis: Amy Ebbutt, star of the recent advertising campaign, promotes Red Cross Week

Talking the same languageThe British Red Cross is re-naming many of its UK service titles to make them more accessible and attractive to the public.

The Red Cross carried out broad-ranging research with the general public – which found many current service titles and descriptions were misleading or didn’t do justice to the range of the services offered. The new service names will ensure that potential service users, the general public and professional partners clearly understand how its services can help them.

Support in emergencies The British Red Cross supports people affected by emergencies both in the UK and abroad – from natural disasters such as floods and fire to terrorist attacks.

(Note: The service name Emergency response will still be used with category one responders and professional contacts.)

Fire and emergency supportThe British Red Cross helps people cope after a fire or other emergency, providing practical and emotional support.

Event first aid and ambulance supportThe British Red Cross supports the NHS, public event organisers and individuals through the provision of high quality first aid and ambulance services.

Independent livingThe British Red Cross provides support at home, transport and mobility aids to help people when they face a crisis in their daily lives.

Support at homeThe British Red Cross offers short-term practical and emotional support

The British Red Cross helps millions of people in the UK and around the world to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, disasters and conflicts.

Our volunteers and staff help people in crisis to live independently by providing

support at home, mobility aids and transport. We also teach first aid skills.

We are part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian network.

We refuse to ignore people in crisis.

at home to help people regain their independence.

Mobility aids The British Red Cross lends wheelchairs and other independent living aids.

Transport support The British Red Cross offers support to people affected by crisis by providing transport for medical appointments and essential daily needs.

Hand, arm and shoulder massage The British Red Cross offers hand, arm and shoulder massage to promote wellbeing for people who need support at home and to relieve stress in emergencies.

Refugee supportThe British Red Cross helps refugees and asylum seekers access essential services and adapt to life in a new country.

International family tracing The British Red Cross helps to restore contact between families separated by armed conflict, disaster or migration by using the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network.

News

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The British Red Cross’ Baby and Child First Aid app launched last month – and you can do your bit to ensure it’s a big success.

The new app – packed with useful videos, animations, tips and a test section – is absolutely free and only takes seconds to download.

It has already had a strong launch, gaining 37,775 downloads in its first week, but volunteers and staff can help reach new audiences by telling their family and friends about it.

The Red Cross’ original mobile first aid app, which was released last year, has chalked up more than 500,000 downloads. With your support, the new app could be even more popular.

redcross.org.uk/babyandchildapp

Download the Baby and Child First Aid app

The next time there’s an emergency at a public event, don’t be surprised if a Red Cross first aider comes revving along to help.Event first aid volunteers already use ambulances, Land Rovers and bicycles to help casualties – and now they’ve also got a couple of specially equipped motorbikes.The motorbikes, faster than manual bicycles and nippier than 4x4 vehicles, will enable first aiders to quickly reach people needing urgent care at events. That’s why they are so widely used by the ambulance service. Both the Red Cross bikes are fully equipped with vital life-saving equipment, including a defibrillator and oxygen supply. Nine volunteer riders, each trained in advanced first aid and resuscitation support, have undertaken a motorcycle handling course.In May, one of the motorbikes immediately proved its worth at a 100-mile cycling event in Suffolk – its very first duty. When a cyclist had a nasty fall and suffered suspected spinal injuries, volunteer Kev Brace quickly covered the 20 miles distance to reach him and provide vital first aid.

37,775 downloads in its first week

A new booklet is helping Red Cross ambulance volunteers do more for people with communication difficulties suffering illness or injury.

The guide, now available on all Red Cross ambulances, is filled pictures and symbols that make it easier for volunteers interact with people who do not speak English, deaf people, people with learning difficulties and anyone who has a condition affecting their ability to communicate.

By pointing to the images in the booklet, they can understand the symptoms the person is experiencing and treat them efficiently and with dignity.

Communication guide breaks down barriers

Hostel fireInverness, 3 AprilEight volunteers attended a rest centre to support more than 50 residents, mostly foreign tourists, who had fled a devastating fire which destroyed the building.

Fatal fireDevon, 5 AprilThree fire and emergency support (FESS) volunteers turned out to support fire and police crews in Honiton following a domestic fire in which three young people lost their lives.

House fireMilton Keynes, 13 AprilWhen seven residents escaped from a house fire on a cold, wet evening, two FESS volunteers provided shelter, hot drinks and dry clothes.

If there’s an incident in your area dial 0115 965 8558

MOTORBIKE FIRST AIDERS HIT THE ROAD

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

UPDATE

This year British Red Cross emergency response volunteers are packing their bags and jetting off to help other Red Cross National Societies become more prepared for disasters and emergencies.

A handful of them are joining dozens of other volunteers from EU countries in a pilot project to strengthen civil protection and humanitarian organisations outside the EU. Some are working in Latin America, while others will take part in a training exercise in Kosovo.

In March and April emergency planning officer and Red Cross volunteer Blair Laird

spent a month with the Costa Rica Red Cross, where he worked on information sharing between the organisation’s headquarters and local services. His highlights included time spent with local ambulance crews.

Blair, who is based in London Bridge, found lots of similarities between the British Red Cross and its Costa Rican equivalent. He said: “There are differences of course, but what they’re trying to achieve is the same as us. It’s an amazing country, and I learned a lot.”

Struggling asylum seekers in Liverpool will get some much-needed support, thanks to a new Red Cross project funded by the Big Lottery.

The asylum outreach support project, which opens in July, focuses on those in the city who are facing destitution – helping them find ways to survive day-to-day and rebuild their lives.

Besides offering practical help through clothing and food vouchers, beneficiaries get one-to-one casework support, and learn about their rights and entitlements. They can also access training and education to help with future employment prospects.

The project, which will receive nearly £500,000 over the next five years, is a partnership between the British Red Cross, Refugee Action and Asylum Link Merseyside.

Forget simply making a call – one phone box

in Northern Ireland has been fitted with a life-saving defibrillator that could save people’s lives in emergencies.

The new device is housed inside a vandal-resistant cabinet in a BT phone kiosk at Crossgar, County Down. If there’s an emergency, anyone can phone 999 then open it under instruction from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Local residents raised £4,000 to fund the project – then around 100 locals and business people also signed up for Red Cross first aid courses.

Needless to say, plenty of locals now know how to operate the device. One of them, local butcher Denis Andrews (pictured), came along to help launch the project.

The original phone-box-as-defibrillator idea was a collaborative effort between Queen’s University, the local GP and the Red Cross. Soon, BT and Down District Council added their support.

Crossgar is the first location in Northern Ireland to boast such a useful phone box feature – though the Red Cross hopes more will follow.

Local GP Dr Nigel Hart said: “Having a defibrillator in the centre of the town will be a real asset and could help save lives in the future.”

New asylum seeker centre opens in Liverpool

Dial 999 for defibrillator

Volunteers go global to help people in crisis

Event first aid volunteers supported the military at the Ten Tors navigational challenge on Dartmoor on 11-12 May. More than 2,400 young competitors took part in the event, which was affected by unseasonable cold temperatures, high winds, heavy rain and fog.

More than 50 volunteers, five ambulances and a dedicated communications vehicle provided first aid support in ten different locations along the course, treating around 150 young people.

Another group of volunteers offered bite-sized 15-30 minute first aid training sessions to 340 participants. People could also find out about local Red Cross services at a dedicated PR tent.

Claire Southwell, event first aid co-ordinator for Devon, said: “We’ve received high accolades from the military, who were the event organisers, on the quality of our support. Most of those treated were suffering from the effects of the cold weather or from problems with their feet. Our volunteers were absolutely brilliant, working so hard despite the terrible weather conditions. I can’t thank them enough.”

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News in brief

Spring blooms for garden fundraiser

Visitors flocked to the Whitfield Estate in Herefordshire on 24 April for Red Cross Great Spring Gardening Event, which raised around £30,000.

Now in its sixteenth year, the event is recognised as an important occasion on both the horticultural and social calendar and this year was listed on the Debrett’s social season, alongside prestigious events such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot.

Diversity at the heart of the Red Cross

A new British Red Cross diversity group met for the first time on 18 April.

The group brings together 15 volunteers and members of staff with an interest and experience in equality and diversity.

Jeanine Francis, diversity advisor, said: “Our first meeting was really positive. The members of this group will play an important role in making sure our organisation places diversity and equality at the heart of everything we do.”

RedRoom search: diversity group

Florence Nightingale Medal for Khalil

Khalil Dale, the British Red Cross worker who was killed in Pakistan last year, has been posthumously awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal. Khalil was awarded the prize by the ICRC after three decades devoted to helping people in crisis around the world.

The prize honours exceptional courage and devotion to the wounded, sick or disabled or to civilian victims of a conflict or natural disaster.

Nick Young, chief executive, said: “Khalil was a truly extraordinary person. We are very pleased his work has been recognised with this prestigious award.”

So, do you think you’ve got the right stuff to help shape the future strategic direction of the organisation? Nominations close on 23 August 2013.

Contact [email protected]

RedRoom search: trustee nominations

Ever feel you haven’t yet reached the summit of your potential as a volunteer?The Red Cross is currently looking for two volunteers (aged 18 or over) to join the board of trustees. You don’t have to be a business brain or expert on every Red Cross service. What really matters is that you’re full of good ideas and passionate about the work of the organisation.

Reach new peaks as a trustee

Bestforward

foot

News

Prepared: first aid trainer Jock McGowan (left) with butcher Denis Andrews and Michael Stirling from Queen’s University

SPOTLIGHT ON…

NOrTHerN IreLaNd 2012

Tills on tourRed Cross shops up and down the UK have been hitting the road, bringing great bargains even closer to their customers.

In Cornwall, the Bude shop created a pop-up shop in a yurt in the town centre on 6 April. The retro and vintage event was organised by 19-year-old volunteer Verity Perkins, and featured bargains including a floaty 1970s ball dress and vintage typewriter.

At the other end of the UK, the Aviemore shop went out to find customers at an Easter market in Carrbridge, raising more than £500.

Manager Ann Marie Rattray said: “Instead of relying on people to find our shop, we’re taking our shop to the people.”

Shop drop bags thousands Shop Drop for Syria, which collected unwanted goods to help people affected by violence in the country, has raised more than £8,500.

Red Cross shops went all-out to promote the appeal, with everything from Easter-themed offers and activities to announcements by a town crier.

Almost 1,000 bags of goods were donated to the appeal, which started in March and finished on 27 April, raising £8,522.15

£31,669raISed SINce THe

STarT Of a crOSS-bOrder reTaIL ParTNerSHIP

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89fIre aNd emerGeNcy SuPPOrT ServIce (feSS) caLLOuTS

9,285 PeOPLe GIveN fIrST

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8 SHOPS

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3,469

made TO meaSure SERVICES

what’s the challenge?Many people rely on carers to make everyday things possible – from having a bath to putting food in the fridge. In fact, the 2011 census found there were 5.8 million unpaid carers in England and Wales. But what happens when carers are hit by a crisis themselves?

How does the red cross help?In Wrexham, the Red Cross is giving carers vital help so they can look after themselves and the people they support. The scheme is run in partnership with the charity Wrexham Carers, and funded by Wrexham Council. It gives carers:

> help at home after setbacks such as a bout of illness, from transport assistance to a hand with the shopping

> an emergency card system, so that if they are affected by an accident or sudden illness, a back-up carer can quickly take over their caring responsibilities

> respite sessions for the person they look after, giving that person a gentle massage and someone to chat to for a couple of hours while their carer takes a much-needed break

> tailored everyday first aid sessions, where they can learn life-saving skills specific to helping the person they care for.

what’s the result?In just three months this year, the service gave vital help to about 50 carers. One, Sheila Whalley, said: “I can’t praise the Red Cross enough. They have been absolutely wonderful – I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done.”

wrexHam carerS: Wales

EVERYDAY fIrST aId TIPredcross.org.uk/everydayfirstaid

How to help someone having a seizure (epilepsy)

Do not restrain them but use a blanket or clothing to protect their head from injury.

After the seizure, help the person to rest on their side with their head tilted back.

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SHOP wINdOw

LOCAL HerO

Jean Songarefugee support volunteer, London Jean is a reception volunteer for the refugee support service. She joined us about six years ago and has been an absolutely fantastic volunteer.

She is a delight to work with. Her role can be quite challenging at times, but Jean always treats clients with patience, kindness and compassion.

Jean has represented the service’s volunteers at a celebration at Buckingham Palace, and was awarded the Red Cross

Certificate of Appreciation for excellent service to the organisation.

When Jean walks into the office she feels at home, and says: “My soul

is with the Red Cross, it’s such a nice family”. Her warmth makes everybody smile. We can tell that Jean has the Red Cross in her heart, and we have Jean in our hearts too.

Jean is without a doubt a superwoman, one of our heroes. Thank you Jean! London refugee support team

SHOP drOP fOr SyrIa

> Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, the Lebanese Red Cross has had emergency teams at the border to transport injured refugees to hospitals.

> From January to March 2013, the Federation moved around 2,400 metric tonnes of relief goods to Syria, which would fill around one third of Big Ben.

Fact box

LEBANON

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chweitzer.

International British red Cross support

From 2004 to 2011, the British Red Cross supported Afghan Red Crescent health clinics that held up to 75,000 consultations a year and are still being used now. Since 2008, it has supported a health programme to:

> promote health and hygiene> improve water and sanitation facilities> provide healthcare advice and first aid training.

Although recruiting female workers is a major challenge in Afghanistan’s conservative society, 120 women volunteers are involved in the programme.

1907 – Afghanistan is granted independence

1934 – The Afghan Red Crescent Society is founded

1979 – The Soviet Union invades, triggering a long- lasting conflict with anti-communist Mujahideen fighters

1996 – Kabul falls to the Taliban, a militant Islamic force

1996 – The Taliban violently enforces new laws in which women are banned from education and employment

2001 – The Taliban is toppled by US-backed air strikes

2004 – Hamid Karzai becomes the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan

> Capital KABuL> Population 31 mILLION > Life expectancy 49.1 yEArs > UN Human Development Index rAtEd 175 Out Of 187 cOuNtrIEs

redcross.org.uk/afghanistanhealthcare

COUNTRY PROFILE

AfghAnistAn AfghAnistAn

humAnitAriAn ContextThree decades of conflict have had a devastating effect on Afghanistan’s economy, making it one of the poorest and most aid-dependent countries in the world. Conflict is still rife in many areas and 250,000 Afghans have been displaced within the country as a result. Many more are refugees, having fled to other countries.

Many civilians lack housing, clean water, medical care and economic security. The fragile state of the country is weakened by crime and a lack of government control.

Red CRoss unites Communities in Zimbabwe

timeline

The Red Cross is increasing access to water and helping people to secure an income with a new programme that unites communities in Zimbabwe.

Diane Moody, southern Africa programme manager, said: “Following a decade of economic instability and natural disasters, people in Zimbabwe are increasingly vulnerable as they struggle to get enough food to eat and access to clean water.”

Communities are faced with recurrent droughts, poor harvests, and the fifth highest HIV rate in the world, all of which is devastating food production. In Chivi district in south-east Zimbabwe, 70 per cent of households take their

water from unsafe sources, causing outbreaks of disease such as cholera, malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and typhoid.

The British Red Cross is supporting a new Zimbabwe Red Cross programme, which is reaching 100,000 people with improved water access and helping 9,000 families generate their own food and income with agricultural training.

Diane said: “We are working with communities to find out what would make the most difference to them in their daily lives.”

As a result, the project is constructing 50 new water points in the area and boosting food production by training people in better agricultural practices and irrigation techniques.

People are working together to improve the environment they live in. The Red Cross is providing a 14-day training course to equip 180 community volunteers with good hygiene practices. Children are getting a head start in schools thanks to new hygiene training for 252 teachers.

The goal of the project is to strengthen families’ resilience and ability to feed themselves through an increase in sustainable agriculture and better hygiene practices. The knowledge they gain will remain long after the water points have been installed.

redcross.org.uk/zimbabwewater

I knew this country before

I even arrived here. I

had so many Lebanese

friends and colleagues in

other countries that I’ve

worked, I could smell it

from overseas.

A lot of my work

relates to Syria and its

surrounding countries;

Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. I support 18

Red Cross and Red Crescent societies

and ensure programmes receive the

goods needed to support people who are

struggling to survive. It is challenging as

Syria has been in the news for too long and I

feel the international community is no longer

shocked by what is happening.

There are many of us from different

countries and National Societies all working

hard to support people who’ve fled the

conflict – both those who remain in Syria and

refugees in neighbouring countries. But it

is the Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers

who silently continue to risk their lives daily

to help others.

Thierry

Postcard from Lebanon thierry schweitzer, Federation regional logistics coordinator

in the Middle East and North Africa

Children in ConfliCt

Written by Alexandra Murdoch

Children repeatedly bear the brunt of war. The European Union reported that a staggering one billion children were living in conflict-affected areas in 2012. They are forced to witness or take part in horrifying acts of violence. They see their villages and schools being attacked, their relatives being raped and their parents being killed.

During a visit to the British Red Cross in March, Leila Zerrougui, UN under secretary general and special representative on children and armed conflict, said: “It is our responsibility to act now and make sure we stop violations being perpetrated against children.”

the rights of the childThe mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict was created in 1996 following the Rwanda genocide and civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

As the current conflict in Syria enters its third year, a whole generation of children is at risk, highlighting the need for this protective mandate. Every day, Syria’s young are exposed to international humanitarian law and human rights violations. These include killing and maiming; sexual violence; attacks on schools and hospitals; recruitment and use of child soldiers; denial of humanitarian access to children, and attacks against humanitarian workers trying to reach them.

One of Leila’s responsibilities is to hold the perpetrators to account. She said: “We use a name and shame list to publicly announce the names of any government, opposition forces or armed groups that commit any of these violations. This serves as a deterrent and sets a precedent that this will not be condoned by the international community.”

red Cross support for childrenSo how is the Red Cross playing its part in protecting children living in places of violence and conflict? Jane Backhurst, Red Cross senior humanitarian policy advisor, says: “There are Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies active in 38 countries affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. We are known for our neutrality and independence, giving us increased reach and influence. As a Movement, we can advocate for children to be better protected, especially through promoting more humanitarian access.”

In countries recovering from civil wars, National Societies help children who were recruited and exploited by armed groups reintegrate into their communities. Red Cross programmes in

countries such as Sierra Leone and Liberia offer activities to prevent children from joining armed groups and ensure communities are aware of the penalties for recruiting children in conflict.

During Leila’s visit she was invited to join a meeting of the UK’s NGO military group, which is chaired by Jane, who says: “We bring people together from the military, humanitarian agencies and government to discuss conflict issues and how we respond to them. Having Leila attend this meeting was a bold step and unique opportunity to look at current conflicts and the need to step up protection of children.” 

Syria’s childrenLeila’s visit highlighted shared concerns about the changing nature of conflict having unforeseen consequences. Children suffer long-term psychological problems, separation from family members and are often unable to access schooling. Not only are they being stripped of their childhood but they are missing out on the ability to build a secure future for themselves, too.

A recent UN report revealed that one in five schools within Syria have been destroyed, damaged or taken over for shelter by displaced people. Leila is adamant that the international community must commit to keeping Syria’s children from becoming a lost generation.

It is a sentiment shared by Dr Abdul Rahman Attar, secretary general of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. He met Leila during his recent visit to the British Red Cross to discuss the humanitarian response to the ongoing Syrian conflict.

Leila concluded: “Not only do we need to protect children during conflict but we must look after them in the long term, too. We must prevent the loss of future generations and make sure communities are rebuilt to prevent future conflicts from re-occurring.”

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ictures

Syria situation deterioratesThe UN now estimates that almost a quarter of Syria’s population – 4.25 million people – have fled their homes within Syria. The estimated death toll from the conflict is over 70,000 people and 6.8 million people inside Syria are in need of help. Across the country, the Movement is reaching people on all sides of the conflict with food, medicine and other relief items. It is also collecting dead bodies and providing first aid, ambulance and health services.

flood of refugeesMore than 1.4 million people have fled to Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt – around half of whom are children. Like in Syria, most refugees have been taken into people’s homes and are living in local communities – making the true scale of the problem hard to see. The Movement is providing support to refugees across the region.

British red Cross supportThe British Red Cross has sent delegates to the region and helped provide food, cash grants, blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, heaters, surgical kits, ambulances, tarpaulins, mattresses and other support to people affected by the crisis. The president of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent recently visited the UK to discuss how the British Red Cross could provide further support. The British Red Cross appeal has now raised £1.6 million.

international

As the number of people affected by the Syrian conflict reaches more than six million, half of whom are children, the Red Cross is putting advocacy higher on its humanitarian agenda.

reCoVerinG froM WAr

In Liberia, the Red Cross is helping 300 children affected by war each year, so far reaching more than 1,500 children. Support includes helping children deal with their trauma through counselling and organised recreational and cultural activities.

In Sierra Leone, the Red Cross is helping 450 children affected by war each year, so far reaching around 8,500 children. As well as emotional support, the programme helps reintegrate children into society by providing them with education and vocational training.

SYRIA CRISIS APPEAL

Recent legal changes and funding cuts to other organisations have left many refugees with only one place to go for support – the Red Cross.

HARD times

Written by Mark Cox

Picture this. Five people are struggling to hold up a wall that threatens to topple onto them at any moment. Then four of the people suddenly disappear.

The metaphor may be a bit stark, but it’s not far off explaining the challenge that Red Cross refugee support has faced in the past couple of years.

Already hugely busy, the service’s workload was suddenly ramped up two years ago when a roll call of leading organisations – including the Refugee Council, Refugee Action, the Scottish and Welsh Refugee Councils, and North of England Refugee Service – lost up to 80 per cent of their government funding.

Continued on page 16

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P

TOUGH ENVIRONMENTFaced with such drastic cuts, these organisations had to reduce their frontline services, and cut many of them entirely – which left the Red Cross to carry much of the burden.

Andy Hewett, programme officer, said: “The landscape changed entirely with those cuts. It’s fair to say we’re now the key player in providing direct support – whether it’s information, advice or practical help – to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.”

And the challenges keep on mounting. This April, the government cut legal aid for immigration cases. That means solicitors representing refugees and asylum seekers will lose legal aid for such work, which could force some to close down.

Understandably, many will now choose not to take on such cases at all. And again, the increased needs (and many complications) that arise from that shortfall are likely to land on the Red Cross’ doorstep.

Andy recalls: “Previously, working alongside these other organisations, we just about managed to cover the bases and help most people – but that’s just not possible anymore.

“To use a footballing analogy, we’re now facing a tougher team than ever but our goalkeeper and half the outfield players are missing.”

CREATIVE IDEASBut, it’s not all bad news. Andy adds: “One thing we should definitely stress is that our volunteers and staff members are doing some fantastic work. Everyone’s feeling pretty stretched but they’re really doing the organisation proud.”

And, as the saying goes: desperation often leads to inspiration. Refugee support teams across the UK have been finding some creative ways to remedy the challenging situation.

The town of Portsmouth provides a prime example. Two years ago, Refugee Action had a busy centre there that largely dealt with complex asylum support issues, leaving the Red Cross to provide more ‘regular’ support. Now the Refugee Action service has been cut right back, and most of its previous workload falls on the Red Cross.

The organisation’s response to this dilemma has been ingenious. They have formed a partnership with nearby Portsmouth University, whose legal students undertake placements working on complex Red Cross cases. It’s a perfect fit: the students get valuable training and the beneficiaries receive the expert representation they need.

GETTING BETTEROther refugee projects across the UK are working hard to ensure they’re prepared for future challenges. For example, the majority of Red Cross projects are already qualified to give formal immigration advice to refugees, after gaining external accreditation from the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Many others are well on their way.

The Red Cross is also setting up pilot projects to work with law centres, securing formal agreements to get pro bono help from legal companies and building new relationships wherever they might bring benefits.

And as the organisation continues to broaden the scope of its offer – incorporating destitution, legal aid needs and family reunion – it is working harder than ever to advocate on behalf of beneficiaries.

Andy says: “We’re constantly getting better at dealing with all these new challenges and collectively expanding our skill set.

“It’s tough out there – the impact of the legal aid cut, for example, probably won’t really start to bite until later this year. But that’s just one more challenge on the horizon and, like all the others, we’ll face it head on.”

Refugees from the Red Cross refugee centre in Portsmouth speak out.

ROBERT: ‘Now I have a chance to make a career’After fleeing Liberia in 2005, Robert is building a new life in the UK.

I left Liberia in 2005 because it wasn’t safe for me, and for a long time I really struggled to get by.

The Red Cross helped me a lot – took me to meet legal people, gave me food vouchers and even kept a roof over my head. Without them, I would have been totally lost.

I was finally granted leave to remain last month, but for all the time I was claiming asylum it was as if someone had pressed a big ‘stop’ button on my life – it was so frustrating.

Now I have resident status, I’m looking for work and want to enrol in college to study business. I finally have a chance to make a career and improve myself.

CHRISTIANE: ‘It was like having a new family’Pregnant and vulnerable, Christiane really needed a friend when she fled Cameroon two years ago.

I was already five-months pregnant when I had to leave Cameroon suddenly, and

it was a very difficult time – I hardly spoke a word of English.

The Red Cross immediately helped with my language problems and other things I needed. They gave me food vouchers, clothes for my baby – even a pushchair.

My main contact at the refugee centre was like a father to me. And when I was feeling low and missing home, they told me: ‘We are your family now.’

I got leave to remain after seven months, and now I’m a volunteer befriender. By sharing my own experience, I help others feel more comfortable.

FLORENCE: ‘My volunteer was like an angel’Since fleeing Zimbabwe, Florence has been struck repeatedly by family tragedy – but the Red Cross is always there.

My family was targeted because my magistrate husband worked to promote prisoners’ rights. After I escaped, one of my sons was killed by the regime – and three years later, my husband also lost his life.

When I arrived in the UK, things were incredibly hard – I remember once surviving for a week on a single loaf of bread. I was suspicious of talking to anyone, but a friend persuaded me to contact the Red Cross and my case worker, George, was like an angel.

When I had a heart attack and was rushed to hospital a few years ago, the Red Cross team were my first visitors and brought everything I needed.

They are always there for me, and going to see them feels like coming home. Whatever happens, I know I can count on their support.

MOLLY: ‘Refugee centre is a sanctuary’She leads an uncertain and frustrating life, but there’s one place that always makes Molly smile.

I was completely destitute when I first arrived in the UK from Zimbabwe, but one of the worst things was how lonely I was. I just sat alone in my house day after day, feeling I was only the person in the world living like this.

That’s why it was such a surprise when I first discovered the Red Cross refugee centre – there were lots of people there in exactly the same situation as me.

My life is still very tough, but now I volunteer at the centre twice a week and that really raises my spirits. Helping other people takes my mind off my own troubles and raises my morale.

In many ways, the refugee centre keeps me going – it’s a sanctuary.

It’s Refugee Week (17-23 June)Time to celebrate the contributions of refugees to the UK. This year’s theme is ‘history and heritage’. Find out more at redcross.org.uk/refugeeweek

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HARD times

TRUE stories

In January Sir Charles Allen became chair of the British Red Cross board of trustees, the volunteers who oversee the organisation’s work. His career so far has included work for a wide range of businesses, including roles as chief executive of ITV and chairman of record label EMI. He was also on the organising committee of the London Olympics – and during the games was mayor of the Olympic village.

People really feel warm about the Red Cross emblem and brand, but a lot of them don’t know what we do. We need to get our message across about the diversity and the range of our work, and the number of people we help. All of us have a job to do in explaining that.

The National Assembly was a big highlight for me. Meeting close to 1,000 volunteers and staff – the buzz was fantastic; real passion, real energy. When we come together, we can showcase all the amazing things we do as one team and one Red Cross family.

We need to attract volunteers, train them, develop them and motivate them. And we need to recognise what they do – often that’s as simple as saying thank you. Because every one of us makes a significant contribution.

Beneficiaries say the way we care is very different to other organisations. One gentleman had been helped by contract workers as well as our volunteers and staff. He said the

private carers “did the job, but didn’t care”. That’s the difference – we bring something unique and humanitarian.

I talked to people in Wales who’d used our support at home service – it was really uplifting and positive. One 70-year-old man, who was partially blind, had been going in and out of hospital because he was having trouble taking his tablets. Our visits to him, for just 15 minutes every day, have changed his life.

The economy means the next five or six years are not going to be an easy ride. We have to be even more creative, more innovative and more driven – always asking ‘how do we do it better?’

> Give the public a better understanding of what the Red Cross does, in the UK and abroad.

> Bring in more volunteers, and support those who are already part of the organisation.

> Make sure the Red Cross finances are in good shape.

Robert: “It’s a chance to make a career”

Christine: “It’s like having a new family”

Florence: “My volunteer was like an angel”

Molly: “Refugee centre is a sanctuary”

When a newly-wed couple said ‘I do’ last September, they also vowed to run the London Marathon together and raise thousands of pounds for the Red Cross.

To add to the romance, Sophie McCorry-Day (28) and her husband Toby McCorry (33) decided to run the race on 21 April in wedding dresses.

Sophie said: “It’s something we wanted to achieve together, to really push ourselves – and of course to raise lots of money for the Red Cross.”

Sophie’s outfit featured an underskirt from the dress she wore on her big day – while Toby was kitted out in a 1980s-style dress from a vintage clothes shop, complete with bow (pictured).

The couple hoped to set a new Guinness World Record for running the race dressed as a bride. While they didn’t quite beat the record of three hours and 41 minutes, they both made it over the finish line in their cumbersome outfits. They are set to raise £4,000.

A total of 67 runners ran the marathon for the Red Cross with a fundraising target of £126,000.

Soft-boiled volunteer

Get to know someone in the time it takes to boil an egg

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Take a sneaky peek at the lives of some of our volunteers across the country. This issue, give a very warm (100 degrees for three minutes) welcome to Eduvie Omene.

What’s your role? Events first aider and President of the Edinburgh University Red Cross Group.Been with the Red Cross for… Two years so far, but aiming for 200!Why did you join the Red Cross? I heard they hold lots of events with free food. And to help people, obviously.Greatest achievement Co-hosting the National Assembly this year in Brighton. Gosh, that was fun!Weirdest volunteer experience? Midnight, in my flat with two other volunteers, trying to make a snowman with newspaper and flour paste for the Get Ready for Winter campaign. Epic fail!Special skill? I can tell you where my twin sister is at any time without actually asking her.Main Red Cross gripe I’m seriously racking my brains for something, but don’t have any. Okay then, maybe the updated rota emails for first aid events are a bit annoying.Desert island disc Nostalgia Ultra by Frank Ocean.How many Facebook friends do you have? None: I don’t do Facebook. Smile if you’re reading this and are in the same boat – you’re not alone!Preferred superpower To be invisible.I just can’t say no to... Food. If you look in my fridge, you’ll know why.Motto You never know until you try.

Runaway brides tackle London Marathon

People

Ruth’s story: ‘I saved my choking baby’s life’

New mother Ruth Davies was impressed when she took a Red Cross baby and child first aid course. Just a few months later, she realised how useful her training had been.

“My son Jimmy recently fell and hit his head while he was eating a piece of bread. He started to cry immediately but, as I picked him up, he sucked in.

“I realised Jimmy must have a piece of bread stuck in his throat. It was a terrifying situation for both me and my mum, who was also there, especially when he started to turn blue.

“While mum phoned for an ambulance, I turned Jimmy over and began to give him back blows – the techniques I’d learned on the first aid course.

“Suddenly, Jimmy started crying again – the back blows had made him start breathing again. I felt a huge sense of relief, and the ambulance arrived soon after and gave Jimmy the all-clear.

“I’m not saying I was a model first aid giver – I did feel a sense of panic – but throughout all that panic I still remembered exactly what I needed to do in order to help my child.

“Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful I went on the Red Cross course. I really hope I’ll never have to do anything like that ever again – but at least now I know that I’d be able to deal with it.”

Drama project inspires Srebrenica Two British Red Cross education workers travelled to Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, to take part in an inspiring community theatre project. ‘Like a Film in my Mind’ was led by Opera Circus UK and brought together young people, artists, musicians and different humanitarian organisations.

Daisy Dugmore and Jamie Piriou, representing the education and engagement team in

Dorset, worked with the young people to develop education resources and theatre workshops. Daisy said: “The huge potential of this workshop as a way of building resilience in communities was clear to see.”

Nino Sekulic, one of the participants said: “This project, at least for a couple of

days, brought back light and positive spirit into a dark Srebrenica.”

Daisy is looking forward to using her new skills and techniques in her next project. She said: “I am developing workshops in support of Bristol Old Vic Theatre’s production of Mirad, A Boy from Bosnia, a searing portrayal of the effect of war on children.”

First aider helps woman after car attack

It was just another day at work for first aid volunteer Richard Blewer, when a colleague phoned from around the corner to say an injured driver needed medical help.

Richard, from Warrington, said: “I grabbed my first aid bag and ran to the scene, where a policeman was tending to a blood-covered woman in the driver’s seat.”

A man had smashed the car window with a hammer and struck the woman on the head, then slashed her left wrist with a Stanley knife. Fortunately, the policeman had already secured the wrist injury.

Richard said: “I could see an impact mark from the hammer on the woman’s head, and a few cuts and embedded glass shards, but my main concern was that she didn’t lose consciousness.

“Some time had now passed, and when the policeman told me no ambulance was yet available, I said: ‘Right, we’re going to have to use your car’.”

They gently lifted the woman into the back of the police car and sped to hospital with the sirens blaring, where Richard briefed the doctor on her condition.

Looking back, he said: “My colleague instinctively knew to phone me. It goes to show: if you know first aid skills, people will call on you.”

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Experience

AT A RUGBY MATCH

I SAVED A LIFE

Event first aid volunteer Ray Riva recently had to contend with a dramatic emergency while on duty at a packed rugby game in Edinburgh. case and helped the police establish a clear

exit route all the way out of the stadium.Outside the ground, we put him into a

waiting ambulance that immediately sped off to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with a police escort. Apparently, he arrested twice more on the way to the hospital – it was such a close call. And yet, four days later, he was sitting up in bed and chatting to his family.

Looking back, I suppose we just went into auto-pilot really; in situations like that, all the training just slots into place. And though it may have been our hands on the guy’s chest, Gavin and I were just cogs in the machine. The whole response represented a marvellous team effort.

It’s a great feeling to think that the chap is now back with his family. He was lucky to have been surrounded by so many medical professionals when it happened. If he’d just been out in the street, it might have been a different story.

The whole incident was also a great example of how well the Red Cross can work with the emergency services. Everything went very smoothly and, even now, I wouldn’t change a thing about our response.

redcross.org.uk/eventfirstaid

I was on duty at a big Six Nations game when a call came in to

help a man who’d suffered a cardiac arrest in the upper west stand, right up in the gods.

When I got there, it was quite a scene. The casualty was lying across a step and there was already a small crowd of people – two paramedics, two off-duty doctors from the crowd and a Red Cross volunteer – busy at work to revive him.

One paramedic was giving him oxygen, a second paramedic and doctor were preparing cardiac drugs and finding a vein, and one of them had connected him to a defibrillator. All the while my colleague, Gavin Baillie, was giving chest compressions.

I took over the chest compressions but for a good few minutes he still had no signs of life. However, we all kept working and after the second defibrillator shock he finally showed a pulse and started breathing.

I radioed for a stretcher, and one of our volunteers arrived with one very quickly. The casualty was a big guy and the whole venue was really crowded, so we had quite a daunting journey to get outside. But once again, the Red Cross team got straight on the

Written by Craig Burnett

Nominations are open for the Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen Awards – which recognise amazing, inspiring achievements by people aged 25 and under. Two past winners of the prize share their stories, and show how important it is to celebrate the efforts of young people.

Volunteer Ross Pickthall picked up the award when he was 18. Three years later, he says he’s as committed to the Red Cross as ever – and reveals why it’s important to shout about the great work done by young people.

Ross, now 21 and an electrician, is a first aid group leader in Workington and does event first aid after getting his ambulance crew qualification. He’s recently tried his hand at blue-light driving, and hopes to get a trainer and assessor qualification soon.

As he says: “I’m still putting quite a few hours in.”

Ross won the awards’ first aid category after supporting people in the wake of three major incidents in Cumbria.

He helped people after the shooting rampage by gunman Derrick Bird, a school bus crash near Keswick and flooding that affected his home town of Cockermouth. But he never expected to get an award for his efforts.

Ross says it’s important for the Red Cross to recruit and support young people, as they bring new ideas and a different perspective to teams of volunteers.

And he believes the more Red Cross highlights the work of its young volunteers, the

HEROES YOUNG

WANTEDmore others will be tempted to join the organisation.

He says: “It’s interesting when young people see us at public events, because they just don’t realise this thing is out there for them, even though it’s something they might enjoy doing.”

The deadline for nominations is 14 July, and this year’s ceremony will take place in London on 5 October. There are four award categories – fundraising, first aid, volunteering and community action. Nominees don’t have to have any connection to the Red Cross.

Like Ross, Charles Fon was 18 when he won his award. He earned it for teaching first aid to other young people, in a Red Cross programme designed to bring different groups – such as asylum seekers and British citizens – together.

Now he’s 22 and studying law at the University of Central Lancashire. Charles said: “I wasn’t looking for any reward. But it’s a good feeling, to know you’re being recognised. It motivates you to do more.”

Ross Pickthall

Nominate an amazing young

person by visiting redcross.org.uk/

theaward

UK office staff raised more than £24,500 through collections and events – including a village fête, karaoke competition and conga led by chief executive Nick Young

Jersey’s poignant celebrations on 9 May provided a focus for Red Cross Week activities on the island, which included street collections, a 1940s-themed dinner dance and a 1,300 mile sponsored cycle-ride.

The Channel Islands share an emotive link with the Red Cross, which shipped life-saving food parcels to islanders when they were under occupation in 1944.

One of the day’s highlights was the return of six cyclists who had pedalled 1,300 miles to Bad Wurzach in Germany and back – the location of an internment camp to which some islanders were deported.

Chief executive Nick Young was invited to attend the celebrations by the Bailiff of Jersey. The events raised thousands of pounds, which will go towards a new emergency support vehicle for the island.

Nicci Walmsley, head of community fundraising, said: “The strength of feeling for the Red Cross on Jersey is incredible. I spoke to people who remember the SS Vega delivering food parcels, including one gentleman who told me that his family had been starving, because they had nowhere to grow food. He said: “I owe my life to the Red Cross and the food parcels.”

Jersey thanks Red Cross for war-time aid

LocalLife

On Thursday 9 May, local illustrators held a live drawing event, exhibition and auction in Bristol. Artists produced pieces on the theme of ‘red’ to raise funds and awareness during Red Cross Week.

At the event, five artists illustrated sections of a huge two-metre by three-metre canvas. Their challenge was to respond to the British Red Cross’ campaign strapline – ‘refusing to ignore people in crisis’. The live drawing was turned into a film, which showed the campaign message slowly being revealed.

The evening included a silent auction of original red-themed creations – including

paintings, jewellery, t-shirts and screen prints by well-known local artists.

Event organiser Katy Christianson – herself a talented illustrator – is a refugee services volunteer and has been working on the Healthy Homes project in Bristol. She says: “I have seen first hand how important the services provided by the Red Cross are to local people, especially in refugee and migrant communities.”

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Live drawing in Bristol

These boots were made for walking

Red shoes: Alex Jones crosses Tower Bridge

Conga collection cashes in

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Liverpool: Onesie Wednesday works wonders

In Liverpool, fundraisers adopted the latest fashion craze on 8 May, turning up to school, work and street collections dressed in animal onesies (jumpsuits). At Broadgreen International School, four teachers raised £210 by wearing their onesies to work, while Red Cross staff members and Liverpool University students wore them to collect in the city centre, raising more than £480.

Senior community fundraiser Alexis Fairclough said: “It definitely made a difference to the amount we raised. Adam, my ten-year-old son, even wore his to school, raising £55.”

On 28 April, one intrepid duo donned onesies to abseil from the top of Leasowe Lighthouse in the Wirral. Kerry Taylor teamed up with first aid volunteer Jamie Carter for the challenge, because he helped her when she suffered multiple seizures at a friend’s birthday party last year. Kerry said: “Jamie helped save my life and I’d like to give back wherever possible.”

Isle of Man: Chinese ball nets £12.5k

More than 200 people danced the night away at the glittering annual Isle of Man ball on 11 May. The oriental-themed event, which featured a banquet of champagne and Chinese food, was organised by the Isle of Man fundraising committee and raised around £12,500.

Natalie Radford, committee chair, said: “A big thank you goes to Mrs Gerry Kingston for

allowing us to hold the event in her garden at Ballaveare Farm, and to the committee, who worked tremendously hard. We also had some amazing sponsors, including Celton Manx, Sovereign and Baker Tilly Isle of Man.”

West Yorkshire: Perfect pitch for funds

The Featherstone Male Voice Choir raised the roof – and over £400 for Red Cross Week – on 10 May. Around 30 members of the choir performed a mix of musical genres, from hymns to show tunes, at Featherstone Methodist Church, led by musical director Paul Rhodes.

Jodie Bromley, administration officer for Yorkshire, organised the event. Her father, Paul Fowler, and uncle, Peter Trevor, both sing in the choir. She said: “The audience and choir members were interested to find out about our local work, and how money raised on the evening could potentially contribute to services in their local community.”

Buckinghamshire: Bakers bring in the dough

Fundraisers in Milton Keynes and Aylesbury raised £400 by selling home-baked treats to local businesses.

Volunteers and staff from Milton Keynes office dressed in Red Cross nurse uniforms, tinsel wigs and glitter top hats to take their cakes and savoury delights around Crownhill Industrial Estate. In Aylesbury Branch, fundraisers dressed in red and visited local offices.

Sharon Cooper, senior community fundraiser, said: “All cakes and savouries were made by staff and volunteers. Particular thanks go to our star baker, volunteer Sue Coombs, who made pasties and mini tartlets.”

Hundreds of fundraisers, including television presenter Alex Jones, donned bright red footwear – from ruby slippers to scarlet sneakers – to walk eight miles and cross 12 London bridges on 18 May.

The One Show host led 380 fundraisers on the Red Shoe Walk, which started at Tower Bridge and finished at Battersea Park. The event took in many of London’s most famous landmarks and also featured a family-friendly four-mile route. It is on track to raise £20,000 for Red Cross Week.

Alex said: “It has been a real pleasure doing the Red Shoe Walk for the Red Cross. It was such a fantastic way to see the city and the spectacular views it has to offer.”

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, event manager, said: “The Red Cross really did paint the town red and there was even a samba band to get the party started.

If you’d like to get involved next year then register early, as it’s expected to be popular!”

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Obituaries

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Josie Hollis died on 18 February, aged 70. A volunteer for nearly 40 years, Josie’s passion and commitment were demonstrated in her many roles – including event first aider, trainer, transport volunteer, group leader and fundraiser. She embodied the ethos of volunteering and supported many others with her wisdom and experience.

The Honourable Sarah Manners MBE died on 27 February, aged 79. Sarah joined the Red Cross in Berkshire in 1973 and later became organiser of Kingsclere centre in Hampshire. She ran an autumn bazaar for a number of years, raising thousands of pounds for the Red Cross. She received a Badge of Honour for Devoted Service in 1982.

Cora Murphy died on 1 December 2012, aged 69. Cora volunteered in Ayrshire and Arran, and was involved in event first aid, emergency support, retail and independent living. She was awarded the Voluntary Medical Services Medal posthumously in December 2012.

Sharon Richardson died in April, aged 41. Sharon was a popular first aid volunteer and trainer. She defused many tense situations with her calm manner, especially at Hull Rugby Union Football Club and Costello Sports Stadium. Sharon was awarded a certificate of commendation in 1999 and also received the Voluntary Medical Services Medal.

David Youdan died on 21 April, aged 77. He will be remembered, first as director of Hereford and Worcester in the 1980s, then as regional officer for the Western Region. After retirement, David kept his links with the organisation by taking part in fundraising activities and as a trustee of the Red Cross Pension Fund.

Nursing in Italy: a wounded German prisoner of war with a VAD

Do you have a memory you would like to share with Red Cross Life readers? [email protected]

Two young people who use the Red Cross Ceredigion young carers’ service have won awards in recognition of their caring roles. Roselin Morgan (13) and Daniel Rhys Evans (11) were named Young Carers of the Year at the Ceredigion Youth Awards on 19 March.

At the age of seven, and with his sister away at university, Daniel looked after his mother who had an operation for a condition that left her disabled and prone to severe epilepsy. Roselin was also the main carer for her mother. When her condition deteriorated, Roselin would feign illness so that she could stay home from school to look after her.

The Red Cross supports young carers, like Roselin and Daniel, in their home and school life. The service helps them to cope with the distress a close relative’s illness can cause. It offers leisure activities to give the young people a break from their caring roles and includes education for school staff and pupils about the issues they face.

Awards Recognition for Welsh young carers

The South Europe Commission of the British Red Cross was established in Italy after Allied troops entered the country. In August 1943, the first British Red Cross mobile unit from Tripoli arrived in Syracuse in Sicily. By September, the unit had moved in the wake of the Allied advance to Taranto on the Italian mainland.

In January 1944, the South Europe Commission was formally established with the dual aims of providing civilian relief and promoting foreign relations. British Red Cross welfare officers were posted to army convalescent depots that were focused on relief work in the zone of the 8th Army including Sorrento, La Selva, Porto Recanati and Cervia.

In July 1944, the British Red Cross assistant commissioner in Rome wrote: “So many towns are almost completely destroyed, the populations are homeless and there is the refugee problem to deal with, besides the difficulties of lack of water, light and transport.

“There are now 147 Red Cross and St John personnel serving in Italy, this includes all the departments, welfare workers, stores, convalescent homes staff, civilian relief etc.”

Members of the voluntary aid detachment (VAD) were responsible for attending to the immediate comfort of casualties who were transferred to the depots by boat, air and rail. They also provided recreational outings, organised boot-making workshops, arranged entertainment and wrote letters for patients.

As the Allied armies advanced, the area of the Commission’s activities expanded until it took in all of Italy and extended into Austria and Greece.

Welfare in war-time Italy

BLAST FROM THE PAST

“I was called up on the first day of the war”

Betty Wade, from Petworth in Sussex, has been involved with the British Red Cross for more than 83 years, making her the organisation’s longest-serving volunteer. She was awarded the first-ever 80-year

service badge at the National Assembly in March – and celebrated her 100th birthday on 6 April.

Betty joined the British Red Cross as a voluntary aid detachment (VAD) member in 1929, in Ascot, when she was just 16 years old.

“I did first aid and nursing courses with the Red Cross. In those days, the Red Cross ran the local ambulance service, alongside St John Ambulance. It was before the NHS was formed.”

When war broke out in 1939, as a qualified VAD, Betty was posted to the Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot.

“I was called up on the first day of the war. I remember my feelings of pride and nervousness, and thinking it would only be for six months,” she said.

The hospital treated injured German and Italian prisoners of war as well as British casualties.

“One of my first patients was a German pilot who had been shot down. He said to me: ‘If you treat me properly, I’ll put in a

good word with Hitler for you. He’ll be here in six weeks.’ He was quite certain of that.

“We treated everybody the same – German, Italian and British – because we were the Red Cross. The Germans and Italians recognised the Red Cross emblem.”

In 1945, Betty was posted first to Rome, then to Austria, behind the advancing Allied troops. She continued nursing in military hospitals, treating less seriously injured casualties who could return to the front line.

She said: “I feel a bit guilty saying it, but I rather enjoyed my war. I’ve heard other people say that, too. I think it was because there was such a wonderful sense of camaraderie among the people I was working with. I hope what I did was of some value.”

After the war, Betty went into secretarial work. But she carried on volunteering with the Red Cross, helping with training and first aid at events. She later became a medical equipment volunteer in Sussex.

She said: “I think the Red Cross is a great organisation. I’ve enjoyed my time with them – it was something I could do voluntarily. I’ve got a great deal of respect for Red Cross workers around the world.”

BETTY WADE, Sussex

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Every year the British Red Cross loans more than 75,000 wheelchairs to people in crisis. Join the debate at

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Lesley Ann McLeod-Hamilton I Thank you for the use of a wheelchair twice, when I fractured my knee and tore my cruciate ligaments. Two ops and 18 months later and I’m walking under my own steam xx 4 April at 08:38

Karen Copsey I We borrowed a wheelchair, so we could take Nan out for the day. She had a great time, so a big thank you to you all. x 4 April at 09:01

Margaret Musgrave I I have launched an appeal in the north-east to raise 45k to replace 300 ageing chairs. Please donate or join our BALTIC zip slide to help raise the money. £150 raised can buy a new wheelchair. Email [email protected] 4 April at 09:35

Tracey Higginbottom I The one you lent me while I was waiting for my NHS one was invaluable and gave me the ability to get out and live!! Thanks guys xx 4 April at 13:25

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Drawing conclusions: live sketching was used to illustrate the discussions

RESILIENCE STARTS AT HOMEBy Corinne Evans, head of UK operations communications

When the Mongol army went into battle, they wore flowing robes of silk. Unlike European chainmail armour, which was easily pierced, the fine mesh of silk enfolded spinning arrows and protected the flesh beneath.

So said clinical psychologist Elie Godsi, one of the many inspiring speakers at the British Red Cross conference on resilience yesterday.

Elie’s story illustrated a point that recurred throughout the day. Resilience is not just about strength – bricks and mortar, infrastructures and systems. ‘Softer’ things such as relationships and human connections are equally important.

During the day, we heard tales of individual bravery, of grassroots campaigning and of communities coming together to cope in a crisis. The one thing all these stories had in common? They showed that resilience, at its heart, depends on people.

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Julian Dobson Asylum seekers who have to survive on £35 a week – that’s resilience. Concern UK Campaigns My favourite definition of resilience so far: someone to love, something to do, something to hope for Ann Griffiths Diverse thoughts at #resilienceconf on ways to build community and individual ability to respond positively to challenge…

Tweets from the Red Cross Resilience conference in April

Letters Life onlineThese days many of us have email accounts and read nearly all literature of any sort online. Each month I get my paper copy of Life and other Red Cross literature, neatly wrapped in plastic, carried by my local postman, which I read and then chuck into the recycling box. Surely this is a waste of resources? Why is there no option to receive all Red Cross literature online, should we want to, and do away with paper copies?Jim CampbellVolunteer, Ashford, Kent

Miriam Jones, editor, replies:You can opt to receive Life online. To subscribe, go to http://redroom.redcross.org.uk/subscribetolife and follow the links. You can also view Area newsletters on RedRoom through the same page.

Flaming success! I wanted to write and say thank you to the Somerset fire and emergency support service (FESS) team. So far this year, they have expertly dealt with 40 calls assisting more than 100 members of the public, compared to the 39 calls in the whole of 2012!

The team now consists of six core volunteers and is also currently covering Devon, giving us the second largest non-metropolitan area in the country. The team’s dedication and devotion to maintaining a rota to continue such a worthwhile 24-hour service is truly commendable.Malcolm CookFire and emergency support service manager

Every phone call is

life-saving

Inspiring: Khaled Erksoussi, from the Syrian Red Crescent, gives a talk at Gogen

The Syria crisis is one of the key things we are talking to supporters about at the moment, so when three members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent visited our office in March, it gave us a huge boost.

One of the main things we do is to ask people who give one-off cash donations to give regularly by direct debit. Regular giving is so important for the Red Cross, because it provides a secure income in the future.

The three Syrian Arab Red Crescent members really put our work into perspective and highlighted how important our job is. They also told some remarkable stories of the bravery of volunteers, and how they are risking their lives every day to deliver aid.

Everybody in the office felt a buzz, in terms of the responsibility we have to bring in the money.

Fundraising for the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s work in Syria is a real pleasure, especially when a kind supporter makes a donation. Every phone call is life-saving.Matthew Bloxham Fundraiser at Gogen, a telephone fundraising agency which raises money for the British Red Cross

The good life T in the Park 11-15 July 2013 Fancy volunteering at Scotland’s biggest music festival? Event first aid volunteers are needed to support St Andrew Ambulance and the Scottish Ambulance Service. If you are aged 18 or over, ask your local service manager for an application form or contact Jacqui McIntosh on 01738 622474 or [email protected]

Great North Run 15 September 2013 Sign up for the world’s biggest half marathon and enjoy the party atmosphere of Newcastle’s 13-mile course.Email [email protected] or visit redcross.org.uk/GNR

Berlin Marathon 29 September 2013 Run past Berlin’s greatest landmarks, including the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, on this flat, fast course.Email [email protected] or visit redcross.org.uk/BerlinMarathon

Open Gardens Explore the secrets of hidden and private gardens across the UK this summer, while raising funds for the Red Cross.Email [email protected] or visit redcross.org.uk/opengardens

Want to go Down Under? Are you a young volunteer, aged 18 to 25? Don’t miss this opportunity to join the British Red Cross delegation at the General Assembly in Sydney, Australia in November. The General Assembly is the Federation’s highest decision-making body. Applications are open until 17 July. RedRoom search: General Assembly youth delegate

Do you want Red Cross Life readers to take part in an event or promotion? Email [email protected] by 6 August 2013

Introducing our new baby and child first aid app.Now parents and carers can always be ready to help their little ones.

redcross.org.uk/babyandchildapp

FIRST AID AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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