Volunteers at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) are dedicated and compassionate individuals who provide support to people across the county through a range of vital roles, from attending incidents to promoting safety advice at events. 

This includes the Volunteer Response Team (VRT), which responds to fire and rescue emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, where they offer reassurance and guidance to people who have been affected.  

They can signpost which agencies the person needs to contact, including insurance companies or local authorities, arrange temporary accommodation, or simply just offer them a hot drink and be someone to listen during a time of crisis.  

To help the team deliver their vital services to people across Kent and Medway, KFRS launched a new VRT welfare vehicle at a small ceremony held yesterday (4 June), which coincides with national Volunteers’ Week, which is in its 40th year.

The welfare vehicle comes equipped with a comfortable seating area for volunteers to speak in confidence with affected residents, Wi-Fi and other comfort features, such as facilities to make hot and cold drinks.  

This vehicle is a safe space away from the incident for anyone impacted to take to shelter and receive support and guidance from the team.  

Jess Antoniou, KFRS Volunteering Manager, said: “We’re really excited to see the VRT welfare vehicle in action and provide our volunteers with a designate space and facilities to help care for people at what can be a really distressing time.  

“The vehicle can also be used to offer welfare facilities for crews, so it’s something that will be of great value to everyone in the service.  

“We chose to launch the vehicle during Volunteers’ Week, as it’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise the wonderful work of all our volunteers and say a big thank you to them for their commitment and hard work – we couldn’t do what we do without them.”