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Help and Support we Can Offer

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Did you know that the British Red Cross in Cornwall is one of the most advanced Branches in the country for their care services? Over the past seven years we have continually looked at the needs of people in crisis, those at risk, carers and those faced with an illness or temporary loss of mobility. With this in mind we have developed a range of services, some of which are unique to Cornwall.
As we are a Care in Crisis organisation and offer most of our services free of charge by well trained volunteers, it is not possible for us to offer any long term commitments.

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How Can We Help?

Home From Hospital

Support and practical help to aid your rehabilitation after a hospital stay. Many people can feel vulnerable after being in a hospital environment and welcome a trained volunteer to take them home, collect some shopping, keep in contact to give any support and help they may need for up to six weeks.
The hospital, West Country Ambulance Service or your GP can all request a volunteer to visit, or you can self-refer.
Tel: 01872 272878

Intermediate Care- Care and Response Service

Like all our services, only trained volunteers deliver this unique service. The Service aims to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, prevent breakdowns in care and supports carers.
We will arrange for a volunteer to call and see you following a fall which may not have resulted in a hospital admission. Elderly people especially often feel a little shaken and would welcome someone to pop in and see them to help with the shopping or rebuild their confidence.
Where possible we will try respond rapidly for those requiring urgent assistance.
The service offers practical and emotional support in a variety of situations.

Intermediate Care - Telephone Support Service

Trained volunteers will contact carers, vulnerable clients or elderly lonely/isolated clients referred to the service, to check they are coping volunteers will provide a listening ear and offer to seek any other assistance that may be required.
Requests for the Care and Support Service can be made during office hours on
Tel: 01872 272471

Tracing and Message

The British Red Cross Society in conjunction with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, offers a confidential Message and Tracing Service for families separated as a result of armed conflict or disaster.
Tel : 01872 272471

Transport and Escort

The Transport and Escort Service for Cornwall is coordinated through our Truro office. We offer a transport service for people who require either car, ambulance or a vehicle for wheelchair bound clients. All our drivers are unpaid trained and caring volunteers, who will also undertake escort duties offering assistance on public transport.
Should our services be required a mileage rate, administration charge, plus volunteer expenses will be applied. Please phone and ask for a quote.
Tel: 01872 272471

Therapeutic Care

Hand care and neck and shoulder massage can be arranged to assist the comfort of those in stressful situations in order to reduce tension, speed recovery and increase self-esteem. The Therapeutic Care Service is there to promote a sense of well being and increase confidence through touch and communication. It assists in relieving stress and pain through the beneficial effects of massage.
The service is offered in hospitals and hospices and multi-skilled volunteers can also offer this service to clients they may be visiting under another service, e.g. Home From Hospital.

Skin Camouflage

Offers a personal consultation, normally one or two sessions, for a patient with a disfigurement or skin condition, to select suitable cover creams and teach the appropriate techniques for application to achieve the most effective and long lasting camouflage results
Tel : 01872 272471

Medical Loan

The Medical Loan service can loan a variety of equipment such as wheelchairs, commodes and back rests, for those in need.
The right equipment makes a lot of difference between staying in hospital or being able to go home on time, ease people back into their own homes after illness or surgery, enable them to go on holiday with friends or family, or care for themselves.
Equipment is loaned free of charge but we ask for a donation to assist with the running of the service.

Service at Public Events

Services at Public Events provided First Aid cover at events attended by members of the public where First Aid cover is a requirement. We provide this service for all, from a small village event to the Royal Cornwall Show.
Risk assessments are carried out prior to the event for the safety of both the public and First Aid Volunteers. Service contracts are drawn up and charging/donation agreed.
Tel: 01872 272471

Join Our Winning Team

If you have a few hours to spare why not join us? People usually join us to help others, but there are all kinds of reasons why people join - to meet people, to have a sense of belonging, to use skills or a part of themselves not used at home or at work, to acquire skills through training or to Accra experience through volunteering.
Whatever reason you will find it rewarding and being a volunteer means you can give as much or as little time as you like.
Training is given in whatever area of work you choose to do and all training is done by qualified trainers and is both informative and fun.
To find out more please contact: The recruitment and Training Manager, British Red Cross Society Cornwall Branch, Lighterage Hill, Newham, Truro, TR1 2XR
Tel: 01872 272471
Fax: 01872 263410