STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3 - CONNECTING WITH THE PEOPLE OF LONDON
LONDON’S AIR AMBULANCE IN THE COMMUNITY
THE SUPPORT OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are a crucial part of London’s Air Ambulance Charity team, with 180 volunteers taking part in activities over the year. Volunteers supported some of our biggest events, including the Gala event, Lord’s Cricket Ground collection, Helipad Abseil event and the Pop Choir Christmas Carols event. In June 2019 volunteers had the opportunity to visit the helipad to observe a series of moulages run by our crew. During the session, volunteers saw first-hand how our team operate on scene, seeing procedures such as intubation and thoracotomy. This gave them an insight to exactly what our teams do to treat our patients on scene. Recognising the support our volunteers give us throughout the year is really important to the charity. In November 2019, we ran our annual volunteers recognition evening. The event is our opportunity to say a heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers for all they have done for our charity over the previous 12 months. Volunteers heard from former patient Nigel, who told his story of being treated at the roadside by our team and going on to become a volunteer for the charity. He was joined by the paramedic who treated him, Richard Webb-Stevens, who gave his insight to what happened to Nigel as one of those treating him. Thank you to our partner, Informa, who kindly hosted the event.
CASE STUDY: ASHLEIGH, SUPPORTER CARE VOLUNTEER “I enjoyed volunteering for an important cause. As a student I was able to have flexibility in my hours and be able to do as much as I could, when I could, and didn’t feel pressured to do too much. “Volunteering with London’s Air Ambulance has given me a big insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to help such an important cause support itself. I was also able to not just spend some time in the office, but also went out co-piloting – distributing and collecting donations pots. “I made some good connections there and have gained invaluable experience from my time both in the office as well as in co-piloting. As a student, volunteering here is a really good opportunity to expand your mind and to help and support such an important charity. I would recommend this to anyone who has as little as an hour or two a week to volunteer with London’s Air Ambulance Charity”.
Paramedic Bill Leaning and volunteer Triny at Shadwell Fire Station open day
During our 30th year we formed many partnerships within the community. We formed local charity partnerships with eight Marks and Spencer stores across London. These stores not only fundraised for us but also regularly hosted our own volunteers, which makes a significant contribution to our community engagement efforts. We also enjoyed the support of Lions Clubs International District 105a this year through a charity of the year partnership, including the opportunity to present at their convention and reach out to Lions’ members from across the country. In December, we were delighted that Trinity United Reformed Church in Wimbledon supported our charity for the second year running at their annual Christmas Tree Festival. This year the event helped to raise almost £14,000. After attending the event, a local member of the community, who was due to commence his year of Captaincy at prestigious Wimbledon Park Golf Club, chose to support us as his Charity of the Year. The club held numerous events throughout the year, including taking part in our annual abseil. We also receive inspirational support from the loved ones of patients we have treated. In September 2013, the Verrier family sadly lost their much-loved son and brother, George, at the age of 17. Over the past seven years, George’s family and friends have displayed amazing strength and love by keeping his memory alive. Each year they have been involved in many different fundraising events – from sponsored Zumbathons to marathons and Tough Mudder challenges. November 2019 was no exception and George’s mother Laura hosted a black-tie event in Club Langley Beckenham, raising an amazing £6,500.
31
