The South Western Ambulance Charity is marking its 30th anniversary this year, celebrating three decades of supporting staff, volunteers and communities across the South West.
The charity, founded in 1995, works alongside the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) to enhance patient care and strengthen resilience in emergencies. Over the years, it has played a key role in funding projects that improve survival rates from life-threatening incidents such as cardiac arrests, as well as investing in staff wellbeing.
Among its achievements, the charity has:
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Funded grants and welfare projects, including the improvement of outdoor spaces at more than 50 ambulance stations in the past year.
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Backed the pilot of the GoodSAM Responder app, now fully adopted by SWASFT, which alerts trained volunteers to nearby cardiac arrests so they can provide CPR before paramedics arrive.
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Helped more than 700 schools install and register defibrillators, with 90% now connected to The Circuit, the UK’s national defibrillator network.
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Raised money for 11 Community Response Vehicles, used by volunteer Community First Responders to deliver urgent care in local communities.
Zoe Larter, Head of the South Western Ambulance Charity, said the anniversary was a milestone to reflect on the difference made over three decades.
“Since our beginnings, the charity has worked alongside the ambulance service to make a real difference – from funding innovative projects and supporting staff, to equipping volunteers and helping communities become more resilient in emergencies,” she said.
“None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our supporters, fundraisers and partners over the years. We are excited to celebrate this milestone, thank everyone who has been part of our journey, and look ahead to achieving even more in the next 30 years.”
SWASFT Chief Executive John Martin also paid tribute to the charity’s work, saying it had been “an incredible source of support” to staff, volunteers and patients for three decades.
More information about the charity’s fundraising and volunteering opportunities can be found at www.swambulancecharity.org.
Photo: Zoe Larter Head of South Western Ambulance Charity Charlotte Hicks Volunteering and Community Services Officer and John Martin Chief Executive
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