Corps volunteers wanted
THE Joint Civil Aid Corps (JCAC), the modern face of Britain’s Civil Defence Corps, is calling out for volunteers from North Devon and beyond.
Led by commanding officer Stephen Barnes in the South West and chief officer Colin Harmsworth nationally, the JCAC is a volunteerrun organisation seeking individuals from all walks of life to join their ranks and strengthen communities during emergencies.
The JCAC is built on the foundation of volunteers dedicated to supporting their local communities during crises, natural disasters, and other challenging times.
Their vision is clear: to create a network of individuals ready to step up whenever their communities need them most.
The JCAC draws inspiration from Britain’s Civil Defence Corps, established in 1949.
This earlier group coordinated local responses to national emergencies, particularly during the Cold War, with a volunteer force reaching 330,000 by 1956.
Similar civil defence groups exist around the world, underlining the vital role volunteers play in keeping communities safe during emergencies.
The JCAC actively seeks volunteers from diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on those with expertise in medical care, security, firefighting, search and rescue, flood response, logistics, command and control, finance, and administration.
The JCAC involves community engagement. As a JCAC volunteer, you’ll be part of a Rally Point (RP) team, the backbone of the organisation that fosters connections within local communities. If there’s no RP in your area, you can volunteer to be a Rally Point coordinator and help establish one.
It asks for people who are handson and ready to make a tangible difference.
The Operational Arm is where you’ll be deployed for tasks ranging from flood relief to supporting vulnerable populations during emergencies.
The JCAC’s community resilience volunteers play a crucial role in keeping an eye on neighbourhoods and offering aid and comfort during disasters.
Anyone who would like to be part can email recruitment@jcac.org.uk to sign up. For more information, contact enquiries@jcac.org.uk or use the online contact form.