REACT Disaster Response

When the rain doesn’t stop, neither do we. Last week, as floodwaters rose throughout Bedford, our specialised Flood Team didn’t hesitate. Trained volunteers were deployed, working hand-in-hand with local communities to mitigate the damage, to provide immediate relief, and - most importantly - to ensure the safety of residents. We of course did what we do best - partnered with local flood groups, Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum, Bedfordshire County Council, and countless other organisations to implement emergency plans. Together, we delivered flood sacks, conducted welfare checks, and assessed the needs of the most vulnerable. Our strength always comes from collaboration - with the fire and rescue services, flood groups, and community leaders who sprang into action. With climate change, the UK will see an increase in extreme weather events. We have to be ready. But readiness means more than just having boots on the ground or emergency crews on standby. It requires comprehensive resources, continuous training, and, most importantly, resilience But we can’t fill this gap alone. If you can donate or read more about our recent flood response and who we worked with. https://lnkd.in/eYQHRMwR Because when we stand together, we will always be stronger. Image of volunteer Flood Responders Rich M. and Justin Fitzsimmons, captured by Lewis Inman during the Bedford flood response.

Last month, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust A&E waiting room faced an unexpected closure, and volunteer Responders stepped in to support patients and staff. For 450 hours (and counting), Responders have been stationed outside the closed A&E reception, making a real difference by: Guiding Lost Patients: Navigating patients to the right place, easing confusion and anxiety.    Supporting Families in Crisis: Offering a listening ear and emotional support. Assisting in Patient Mobility: From helping those in wheelchairs to patients needing extra assistance as they make their way to the temporary A&E waiting room. Facilitating Patient Transfers: Transferring patients between departments, reducing delays, and keeping the flow of care as smooth as possible. This is the volunteer sector in action. From the major efforts, like flood response, to the smaller gestures, like making a cup of tea for a worried patient. It all leads to one outcome - no one faces uncertainty or stress alone. Read more about the impactful work below: https://lnkd.in/eCgfEq7Y

In Bedfordshire, trained volunteer Flood Responders assisted in evacuations and provided vital support to residents before and after the floods. In Northampton, at the Billing Aquadrome, volunteer Responders worked tirelessly to offer care and relief to those displaced by flooding. In Worcester, with a busy A&E department out of action due to a collapsed floor, volunteer Responders have been assisting staff and patients to ensure everyone got the care they needed. In the Caribbean, volunteer Responders have been helping rebuild lives and livelihoods following Hurricane Beryl. Four operations. One week. One Team. BUT many incredible organisations coming together to ensure no one is left behind in a crisis!

Our Responders were proud to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Bedford Borough Council, this past week, working together to support those affected by flooding. When communities are in need, collaboration is key, and together we can ensure we send help to where it’s needed most, and in the fastest time.

Last night, our trained volunteer Flood Team was rapidly deployed to two areas at high risk of flooding - Kempston and Turvey - working alongside Bedford Borough Council to protect our community. We visited homes with known vulnerable people, checking in on residents, offering practical advice, and distributing Aqua Sacs to help safeguard their homes. Thankfully our second capability (flood rescue) hasn't been needed yet, but we remain on standby, ready to assist should the situation worsen over the next 24-36 hours. With rain continuing overnight, our team, led by Richard Hood, is in close coordination with the council to monitor and respond swiftly if needed. Our mission, as always is clear - committed to standing with vulnerable communities, offering rapid humanitarian assistance when needed. But we are not government funded. Flooding is a reality many of us will be facing this winter. If you can, please consider donating to support our vital work in the UK and internationally. https://lnkd.in/e3_ZCBbn Images captured by Rich M. 📷 . #FloodRelief #FloodAid #FloodHelp #FloodSupport #UKWeather

UK Flooding Update: Yesterday, in response to an urgent request for assistance, we swiftly deployed a specialised response team to Northampton to manage an emergency rest centre, supporting evacuees from the Northampton leisure park Billing Aquadrome, which has been severely affected by flooding. Local agencies, including Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, swiftly joined the response efforts. In collaboration with these teams, we have set up an emergency rest center at Lings Forum Leisure Centre, offering vital shelter and support for those displaced Together, we have helped over 50 individuals and 22 dogs find safety at the Lings Forum Leisure Centre. As flood warnings remain in effect, we continue to stand by, ready to assist wherever needed. Please take the time to ensure you are flood ready: https://lnkd.in/eshggCPf

"The entire house seemed to be coming apart. My husband shouted 'RUN', and we raced towards the hospital. When we emerged...we were on a different island". It's been eleven weeks since Hurricane Beryl devastated St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Shanika's story still breaks our hearts. Our teams quickly mobilised, with respect going to MapAction, World Food Programme, World Central Kitchen and other key partners for their swift response. Our Responders are still there, and have been working tirelessly in collaboration with many, including working alongside the National Emergency Management Organization, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Water Mission, Sol Relief, and the incredible people of Union Island to restore their lives and homes. This effort has been further strengthened by our recent MOU with NEMO, ensuring a more streamlined and effective disaster response across the region. We couldn't have achieved this without the unwavering support of our donors, volunteer Responders, and partners. Read more about our response to Hurricane Beryl, and see how you can support our work: https://lnkd.in/gF26iAad Image of Responders salvaging valuables and sentimental items from destroyed homes - captured by Responder Mark Atton 📷 . #disasterresponse #humanitarianresponse #humanitarians #ngos #volunteers #hurricaneberyl #hurricanerelief #caribbeanrecovery #unionIsland

Don't let a flood catch you off guard. Protect yourself and your loved ones by taking these essential steps: - Stay Informed: Sign up for flood alerts now at https://lnkd.in/eR7rqumy - Prepare Early: Move valuables to higher ground and secure your home. - Follow Official Advice: Always listen to local authorities. Stay informed, stay safe. #floodawareness #ukweather #floodalert #emergencypreparedness #flooding 

Powerful week! This is what real preparedness looks like - training hard, building partnerships and camaraderie, but also pushing boundaries. Proud to see our team and partners stepping up to make sure we’re ready for whatever comes our way. Keep up the great work!

Want to see what it takes to become a humanitarian? 🌍💪 Recently completing REACT's International Responder Course Alastair McClement shares his inspiring experience of our humanitarian training programme. Ready to answer the call? Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/ePHwtDkP #humanitarian #disasterrelief #REACT #volunteer