The North West Air Ambulance Charity has been awarded the Investing in Volunteers quality standard.
The accreditation shows that the North West-based charity values volunteers, demonstrating a commitment to volunteering from within the organisation.
The North West Air Ambulance Charity has over 500 volunteers spanning the whole of the North West. Their dedication, time and skills are integral to the charity so it can continue its lifesaving work.
Since the beginning of the year, the North West Air Ambulance Charity has been called to over 2,467 incidents across the North West.
The charity is solely funded by public donations, with volunteers helping to raise the vital funds needed to keep the charity saving lives.
Helen Doward, Head of Volunteering, said: “Everyone at the charity is delighted with the Investing in Volunteers achievement, it is a reflection of how much we value our volunteers and the incredible impact they make. We are proud to offer an exceptional volunteer experience and invite people across the North West to come and join our lifesaving team.”
The North West Air Ambulance Charity is looking for volunteers to join their team in their retail shops. To learn more about their lifesaving work or to explore volunteering opportunities, head to nwairambulance.org.uk.
Jessie Jackson, a Cheshire Volunteer said: “The North West Air Ambulance Charity is the best, there’s no comparison to anywhere I have volunteered before. The Wilmslow shop is a lovely environment with wonderful staff and volunteers.
“I always enjoy it and wish I could do more. There’s always a biscuit, a cuppa and a friendly atmosphere. Just look at the service the charity provides, saving people’s lives, it makes me proud to volunteer here.”
Roger Smith, a Volunteer from Cumbria said: ‘‘The reason I volunteer is to provide support for a very important local charity. One day we or someone we know might need the services provided so it’s vital we give back.
“I can share my knowledge and experience with the charity but most importantly for me, North West Air Ambulance Charity provides that go-to place, to make new friends, have a laugh and support mental health well-being.”
Michael John, Lancashire Volunteer said: “Over four years ago after hearing a presentation about the Charity’s work I realised the North West Air Ambulance Charity was a Charity and I wanted to support and that I too could get involved in giving presentations to a wide range of audiences. My experience has been amazing. Over the years I have spoken to dozens of groups – all different – and all incredibly supportive of our work.
“Volunteering for the charity is probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I get great satisfaction from the talks that I do and realise that through the support I get I learn something new every day.
“Volunteering relies on the support and information from other people within the Charity and I value the regular contact I have with the people who are so important in keeping the Charity running. Without that support, volunteering would be very difficult. I thoroughly enjoy the work I do, the support I get, and the knowledge that I am helping with such a fantastic organisation.”
Steve Bray, Merseyside Volunteer said: “I really enjoy volunteering with North West Air Ambulance Charity at the Old Swan shop. There’s great comradery between staff, volunteers, and customers. I feel like I have a voice at the shop, the staff listen to my ideas. It feels like one big team, everyone is equal and valued, and the staff know the power of a ‘thank you’ to their volunteers.
“For anyone else looking to volunteer, I’d recommend the charity and especially their Old Swan store. You can have a laugh and joke (dancing and air guitar optional!), meet new people, all whilst knowing you’re making a worthwhile difference for a fantastic cause that needs all the help and awareness it can get.”
Fran Hughes, Volunteer in Cheshire said: “I am so proud and honoured to be a volunteer for the NWAA charity. Put simply, it saves lives and that has a feelgood factor about it that is beyond measure. I love the charity because as a retired nurse I know how time-sensitive many injuries can be. Immediate complex resuscitation and treatment, at the site of the incident, can prevent death or lifelong disabilities.
“All volunteering for this amazing charity is a team effort, whether behind the scenes or as the face representing the charity, and no one is forgotten when it comes to the thanks and appreciation shown for your efforts. It is an inclusive charity that goes above and beyond to care for its volunteers in so many ways.
“The NWAA charity provided me with a focus in my life, as a volunteer, at a time when I needed it most. There is more than one way to help a life.”