Harry’s game is now finding 500 volunteers for Games...!
Ex-firefighter appointed to new role
A FORMER firefighter is taking a leading role in organising volunteers set to play a vital part in the Commonwealth Games next month.
Harry Starkey has just been appointed as the West Midlands Regional Lead for RE:ACT which is a charity that turns former military, emergency service personnel and humanitarian professionals into international disaster responders.
The charity has been selected as the Official Military Veteran Provider and tasked with finding 500 volunteers to work at four venues across the Midlands for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games which start on July 28 and run until August 8.
Harry spent 30 years with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service after joining following a stint in the Army.
Harry, who lives in Leek, then began volunteering for the Peak District Mountain Rescue team, and then signed up for two years working in Afghanistan, leading a fire brigade team looking after the sprawling Kandahar Airbase, home to almost 40,000 servicemen and women.
He also began volunteering and has now been appointed to the lead role with the organisation ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
“We have been asked to find 500 individuals to support the entrances at four venues across the West Midlands working alongside the security workforce and we couldn’t be more delighted,” said Harry on the eve of National Volunteers’ Week.
The father of three and grandfather of six said that many existing RE:ACT responders had already signed up to be involved in the Games, but the charity was still looking for more personnel, particularly from the Midlands’ region.
“This will be a great, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people.
“We are looking for people who have the skills and desire to help people.
“We want them to be a friendly face and not be intimidating but who will always be alert to the unexpected,” explained Harry.
He said though it wasn’t compulsory, RE:ACT was keen for all those that sign up to take the Security Industry Agency (SIA) Door Supervisor Level 2 qualification. Normally this would cost £485 but was being offered for free by the charity.
“This is actually the gateway course into the security industry. It’s a directly transferable skill that would be a real asset for many people,” Harry pointed out.
The former Fire Service Senior Manager said that he was particularly delighted to be talking about his work around National Volunteers’ Week.
“I think volunteering is a natural next move from any ex-serviceman or blue light professional. You have an in-built inclination to help people. Often, we are the first people on the ground in an emergency situation. The first responders. I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It’s wonderfully fulfilling.”