A new strategy to strengthen volunteering and build more resilient communities has been launched by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).

Volunteers play a vital role in helping save lives across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and North East Hampshire. SECAmb’s new Volunteering and Community Resilience Strategy sets out plans to grow and develop a more sustainable volunteering service that supports communities while helping improve patient outcomes.

The strategy aligns volunteering activity with the Trust’s key priorities, including improving cardiac arrest survival rates, reducing health inequalities and expanding community-based care. By doing so, it aims to empower communities, strengthen local resilience and extend the reach of ambulance services beyond traditional models of care.

A key focus is developing a diverse and skilled volunteer workforce through expanded training and leadership opportunities and clearer role alignment with organisational priorities.

As part of the plans, volunteers will be supported to respond to a wider range of incidents, including non-injury falls. Expanding volunteers’ skills and scope will help provide additional support within communities while easing pressure on ambulance resources.

Volunteers will also play an important role in improving cardiac arrest survival rates by raising awareness of the ‘chain of survival’ and delivering more basic life support training in local communities, helping more people recognise cardiac arrest and act quickly in an emergency.

Head of Community Resilience, Danny Dixon, said: “Volunteers are a vital part of how we support our communities and save lives. This strategy builds on the incredible contribution they already make by giving them the training, opportunities and support they need to have an even greater impact.

“By strengthening community resilience, expanding volunteers’ skills and raising awareness of life-saving actions such as the chain of survival, we can empower more people to respond in an emergency and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.”

The strategy will ensure the Trust’s volunteering model remains sustainable and adaptable, enabling it to continue meeting the changing needs of patients and communities.

To find out more and read the full strategy, please click here.