South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust logo

Welcome to SWASFT

Volunteering and Community Services

Community forst responder team Cotswold

The Trust covers one of the most rural areas of the UK and we are committed to providing the population of the South West with the highest standard of out-of-hospital care. We are extremely grateful to the many volunteers who support us and help members of their local community in their time of need.

Every day, volunteers from across the South West support us in many roles. Our patient facing volunteers attend emergencies within their local communities. Sometimes the difference is providing reassurance prior to the arrival of an ambulance; sometimes it is saving someone's life. Our non-patient facing volunteers support vital roles such as: supporting crew welfare, engagement events and fundraising. We have a range of volunteering and community services roles that make a difference, these include:

  • Ambulance Service Volunteers (non-patient facing) – Supporting ambulance crew welfare, community engagement events and fundraising.
  • Community First Responders - volunteers who support their local community by attending emergency calls ahead of an ambulance.
  • Clinical / Non-Clinical Staff Responders – Trust employees who volunteer to attend emergencies in their local communities on their day off.
  • Fire Co-Responders - Retained fire fighters who attend emergency calls on behalf of the Trust, as part of their day to day role with the Fire and Rescue Service.
  • St John Ambulance Community First Responders - Volunteers who under their work with St John Ambulance, respond within their local community ahead of an ambulance.

South Western Ambulance Charity logo

South Western Ambulance Charity

The South Western Ambulance Charity, founded in 1995, uses gifted monies to benefit those in our communities who use our service and to improve the welfare of the staff and volunteers of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. 

Our charitable support covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire including Bristol and Swindon.

If you would like to show your appreciation for the care that you or your loved one has received from us in the form of a charitable donation please visit our online giving website: Donate to South Western Ambulance Charity | Give as you Live Donate