You can help the people who support you in a medical emergency. Welfare wagons support staff and volunteers during times of increased operational pressure alongside times when welfare support is vital to their well-being.
They’re on a 12hr shift, there’s been some really challenging and emotional jobs and they know there are still people out there who need their help.
Welfare Wagons started during covid at a time of increased operational pressure. Pressures have continued and this vital facility is constantly evolving to support the needs of staff and volunteers.
They may be with a patient waiting to hand them over to the hospital, but delays are preventing this and they’ve missed their meal break. They may have just been to an emotional job where they really need to talk to someone about it but Managers are on another call. They may be at a major incident unable to access a drink or something to eat. They may have family distressed by them missing yet another important birthday and just need a few minutes of calm with a therapy dog to rethink how to manage the situation. They may be one of our volunteers who jumped on the back of the ambulance to help a crew out and are waiting for a lift home needing a quiet place to reflect. They may be in the 999 control room having just taken a difficult call and needing some time out in a different environment.
These Welfare Wagons are designed for safe, confidential conversations with pull down blinds for privacy, facilities for cold and hot emergency drinks and snacks, welfare material for staff and volunteers as well as signposting advice.
They have chairs to use outside away from the crowds and a pull-out awning to protect them from the elements. They are manned by volunteers and staff unable to currently work on the frontline, some will be qualified in trauma incident management, some with mental health qualifications and some just a friendly face to talk to. All will have access to training courses to provide them with the skills to help their colleagues. Assessed ‘Good Dog’ therapy dogs will also be joining them on occasions.
The vehicles and associated costs such as fuel, tax, insurance etc are supplied by the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, everything else is provided by the East of England Ambulance Charity thanks to the support of NHS Charities Together and funds from this page.
Your financial support helps open up opportunities to support the incredible staff and volunteers from the East of England Ambulance Service and we can’t thank you enough for any donation you can give to the welfare wagon project.
Together, we make the difference.
Thank you for your support.
Charities pay a small fee for our service. Learn more about fees
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