STAPLEHURST EMERGENCY HELP TEAM
It often takes a major emergency to bring out the best in people for the common good. The fire in Staplehurst High Street in July 2010 brought together a number of key people who were able to look after those who had been displaced from their homes, whilst the fire-fighters got on with their job of dealing with the fire. Who knows what emergency, big or small might befall residents in Staplehurst in future? A willing volunteer giving practical help or support is very much valued by those in distress.
In winter snow and ice, elderly and housebound people have difficulty getting prescriptions or shopping. Volunteers offer to help but due to confidentiality protocols they may be prevented from collecting prescriptions for their neighbours. To conserve supplies, shops often restrict the amount of essential items such as bread and milk that could be bought by one person. In these two key areas, volunteers with the best of intentions are unable to help their neighbours. To ensure this situation does not arise in future, a new organisation to co-ordinate volunteer help to ensure it reaches those in need in our parish, has been set up. It is called “The Staplehurst Emergency Help Team” and has the backing of Staplehurst Parish Council.
The team is gathering information about the risks that local residents might face and inviting local people to offer help in an emergency situation. The main areas of emergency risk are extremes of weather, major accidents, fire, pollution or loss of utilities. Volunteer help that would be useful includes local knowledge, equipment, professional expertise, ability to fetch and carry or organise others. Everyone has abilities – a listening ear to someone in distress is just as welcome as a driver of a 4 x 4 when we are in need.
The Staplehurst Emergency Help Team will co-ordinate details of any help you would be willing to give. The information given will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act. You will only be contacted in the event of an emergency or annually to check that your details remain correct. The Emergency Help Team will meet regularly to plan and train for future emergencies. If you would like to offer your help and/or join the team, you will be very welcome. Please complete this
application form and forward it to the Parish Clerk by post or email.
Please see the Emergency Help Team page within Parish Council/Reports for noting menu for Minutes of meetings.
Next meetings - all are open to anyone interested in volunteering or finding out about the SEHT:-
24th September 2012 - 8 p.m. SEHT AGM at South Hall, Staplehurst Village Centre. Election of officers and Chairman's Report. All welcome.
TBA November 2012 - 7.30 p.m. at Staplehurst Youth Club. Practice Scenario - preparations for winter.
TBA January 2013 - 7.30 p.m. at Staplehurst Youth Club. Members meeting, annual plan and review of Emergency boxes.
TBA March 2013 - 7.30 p.m. at Staplehurst Youth Club. Volunteers meeting and review of SEHT Emergency Plan, budget, etc.