North West Air Ambulance Charity need volunteers in shops

The charity has been awarded the Investing in Volunteers quality standard, an accreditation that 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 more than 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.

Lancashire volunteer Michael John (L) with paramedic Andy Duncan (Image: PR)

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.”

Michael John, centre, with other NWAA charity volunteers (Image: PR)

Since the beginning of the year, the North West Air Ambulance Charity has been called to more than 686 incidents across Lancashire. The charity is solely funded by public donations, with volunteers helping to raise the vital funds needed to keep the charity saving lives.

The Investing in Volunteers accreditation is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. After five days of intensive external assessments by the Investing in Volunteers’ assessors, the charity received the good news.

Helen Doward, head of volunteering, said: “Everyone at the charity is delighted with the Investing in Volunteers achievement, it really 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 its Blackburn, Longridge, Barrowford and Garstang retail shops.

To learn more about their lifesaving work or to explore volunteering opportunities, head to nwairambulance.org.uk.