BRITISH Red Cross staff and volunteers from Wiltshire are supporting residents at a rest centre in Chelsea following the major fire at Grenfell tower block in north Kensington, London.
Jo Riches, emergency response officer from Swindon, has joined volunteers from across London and the South to provide practical and emotional support to local residents affected by the fire.
Another two volunteers from Wiltshire are currently on their way to London to offer ongoing assistance.
Jo, who was alerted to the incident early this morning, arrived in Chelsea at 10am to join a team of Red Cross emergency response volunteers.
She explained: “The Red Cross are working with the local authority to make sure that anyone affected by this terrible incident is supported.
"We have been helping to distribute food and water, and have been making sure people have access to any medications they need.
"We have also been providing general support to people who want to talk about what’s happened, offering a listening ear and comfort.
“The community is rallying round, with residents collecting food, drink and clothes, and everyone is asking each other how they can help. There is an incredible community spirit.”
Approximately 250 people have been supported at the rest centre so far. Additional Red Cross volunteers from Wiltshire are on standby in case there is a need for ongoing support.
Hannah Day, emergency response operations manager, said: “Responding to emergencies is at the heart of what the British Red Cross does here in the UK. All our volunteers are trained to provide practical and emotional support and we will continue to offer that support for as long as we’re needed.”
Anyone concerned about loved ones following the fire in Grenfell Tower should contact the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197.
More people are needed to become emergency response volunteers with the Red Cross. For anyone interested in the role, email S&CIER@redcross.org.uk or call 07921 872429.
For more information about the Red Cross visit redcross.org.uk
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