An MP is backing the British Red Cross in its attempt to recruit more Community Reserve Volunteers to support its “amazing and diverse work”.

Tatton MP Esther McVey attended a breakfast event, which saw influential leaders from across Cheshire, invited to learn more about the life-changing work.

Ms McVey said: “The organisation is one of the most trusted and respected charities in the world and the work it does is fantastic. When devastating events like the Manchester Arena bombing happen or communities are flooded people often want to help but do not know how. Being a Community Reserve Volunteer is one the ways people can get involved if they are over 18. It is about being called on in an emergency that affects your community, so it would be making a real difference here in Cheshire.” 

There are more than 16,000 Community Reserve Volunteers nationally. The scheme works by people registering and then being called on in a crisis to help communities respond and recover from events. 

Ms McVey added: “The work the British Red Cross do is humbling, we all know they do a great job but it was an honour to be invited to see the sheer diversity of help they provide and would urge anyone who wants to get involved to and make a difference and become a community volunteer.

“They are involved with everything, whether that is a terrorist attack, a humanitarian crisis or big fires. It also is community focused and makes sure people are not isolated in rural communities with just a pint of milk and they support people needing to borrow wheelchairs or help after coming out of hospital.”

The event was hosted by Cheshire President of the British Red Cross Dennis Dunn MBE JP DL at The North Range at Ashley Hall, along with Lord Lieutenant David Briggs MBE KStJ, Red Cross Executive Director of UK Operations Norman McKinley and two Cheshire Vice Presidents Dame Patricia Bacon and Anne Boyd and Community Legacy Manager Karen Jones, who is very active on the ground in Cheshire.