British Red Cross Emergency Vehicle Ready to Respond from New Base at Newport Fire Station

Move comes as the British Red Cross crisis response team celebrates their 20th anniversary on the Isle of Wight.

The British Red Cross has joined forces with Newport Fire Station to provide a new base for their emergency response vehicle. The South Street station will host the specially-adapted vehicle, used by local Red Cross volunteers to support people after fires, floods and other major incidents.  

The vehicle acts as a mobile support unit during emergencies and contains supplies such as food, blankets, torches, and pet supplies. There’s also clothing for a range of ages and sizes, ready for people who may be out of their homes at short notice. 

The move comes as the British Red Cross crisis response team celebrates their 20-year anniversary responding to emergencies in the Isle of Wight. The team is made up of volunteers from the British Red Cross who give their time freely, responding to incidents 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Over the years, volunteers have responded to numerous emergencies, providing support to those affected across Isle of Wight communities. 

Darren Steed, Resilience Manager for the Isle of Wight Council, said: 

“We’re grateful to the British Red Cross for their continued support over the years. The British Red Cross crisis response team has always been ready to step in and support the Council when needed, particularly during evacuations and in supporting our most vulnerable residents. 

“We look forward to working more closely together in future, to ensure the Island remains a safe and resilient place to live.” 

Amanda Carcary, British Red Cross Senior Emergency Response Officer, said: 

"Our local volunteers often respond alongside the fire service to support people after house fires or floods. We’re there with a hot drink, basic supplies, and a listening ear — while emergency services focus on their job. 

“Having this new base means we can get to people faster when they need us most. 

“We’re still very much part of the local community, working alongside Isle of Wight Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and proud to keep supporting people on the Isle of Wight. I’m so grateful to all our amazing volunteers who’ve been there for others over the past 20 years.” 

Tim Clapp, Station Manager, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said 

“We are pleased to build upon our relationship with the British Red Cross who we work closely with, supporting those affected by significant incidents. 

“The teams already respond from HIWFRS sites across Hampshire, and it is brilliant to welcome them to respond to incidents from Newport Fire Station on the Isle of Wight. 

“Their work helps people recover from devastating emergencies, supporting them at their time of need and signposting them on to the agencies that can help them move forward.” 

ENDS  
 

Notes to editors 

An event was held on the evening of Thursday 26 June 2025 at Newport Fire Station to mark the 20th anniversary of the British Red Cross crisis response team on the Isle of Wight and to celebrate the team's move to their new operational base at the station. 

The event recognised the team’s long-standing contribution to the local community and their continued partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. 

Attendees included: 

• Tim Clapp – Station Commander, Newport Fire Station 
• Eleanor Stack – UK Operations Lead, British Red Cross 
• Donna Taylor – Emergency Response Operations Manager, South East 
• Amanda Carcary – Senior Emergency Response Officer 
• Louise Garrard – Emergency Response Officer (Isle of Wight team lead) 
• Louise and Shane Randall – Former volunteers from the original 2005 team 
• Felicity, Robert and other current British Red Cross volunteers 

 

Photographs from the event are available on request

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.