British Red Cross facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
British Red Cross

Founded	4 August 1870
Legal status	Incorporated by royal charter, 1908
Focus	Humanitarian aid
Location	London, EC2 United Kingdom
President	King Charles III
Deputy President	Princess Alexandra
Chief Executive	Béatrice Butsana-Sita
Key people	Co-chairs Youth Leadership Team, Andrea Ando - Georgia Goddard
Main organ	Board of Trustees - chairperson, Liz Padmore
Revenue (2022)	£439 million
Staff (2022)	3,353
Volunteers (2022)	12,000
Formerly called	British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War

The British Red Cross Society (Welsh: Y Groes Goch Brydeinig) is a special charity in the United Kingdom. It is part of a huge, worldwide network called the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This network helps people in need, no matter where they are from or what they believe.

The British Red Cross started in 1870. Today, it has over 17,200 volunteers and 3,400 staff members. Their main goal is to help people during tough times, both in the UK and in other countries. They help everyone equally, without judging them. Queen Elizabeth II was their special supporter until she passed away in 2022.

In 2022, the charity received £439 million. Most of this money, £367 million, was spent directly on helping people.

What Guides the British Red Cross?

The British Red Cross aims to help people and communities get ready for, deal with, and recover from difficult situations. Their motto is "refusing to ignore people in crisis."

Everyone who works or volunteers for the British Red Cross follows seven main rules. These rules are part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement:

The British Red Cross also has four values that guide their work:

A Look Back in Time

How It Started

Sorting and packing linen bandages at the London office of the society, September 1870

The British Red Cross began in 1870. This was just seven years after the international Red Cross movement started in Switzerland. It happened during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871). Many countries in Europe were forming similar groups to help.

The society was first called the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War. It was founded in London on August 4, 1870. They helped soldiers from both sides of the Franco-Prussian War. They used the Red Cross symbol for protection.

In 1905, the society changed its name to the British Red Cross Society. In 1908, King Edward VII gave them their first special royal charter. His wife, Queen Alexandra, became its president.

First World War Efforts

Give generously to the British Red Cross, [between 1914 and 1918], Archives of Ontario poster collection (I0016189)

When the Great War began in 1914, the British Red Cross teamed up with the Order of St John Ambulance. They formed the Joint War Organisation. They shared their resources and created groups called Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs). These VAD members learned first aid, nursing, cooking, and hygiene.

VADs worked in hospitals, rest stops, and supply centers. They were protected by the Red Cross symbol. The Joint War Organisation also sent the first motorized ambulances to battlefields. These were much faster than horse-drawn ones.

They also helped find wounded and missing soldiers. Volunteers searched towns and hospitals, writing down names of the injured, missing, and dead. This started the international Message and Tracing service, which still helps families today.

One interesting thing they did was train Airedale Terrier dogs. These dogs helped search for wounded soldiers on battlefields.

Between the Wars

A Red Cross and Order of St John barge orderly on the River Tigris, 1919.

After the First World War, in 1919, the League of the Red Cross was formed. This group is now called the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. National Red Cross groups started to focus more on improving health and preventing disease.

The British Red Cross helped start new Red Cross societies in countries that were part of the British Empire. Many of these are now independent groups.

In 1924, the British Red Cross started its youth movement. This helped teach younger people about their values.

Second World War Efforts

British Red Cross parcel

When war was declared in 1939, the British Red Cross again joined with St John. They formed the Joint War Organisation. St John volunteers were also protected by the Red Cross symbol.

The organization worked in hospitals, care homes, and ambulance units. Much of their work was paid for by a special appeal.

The Red Cross also sent parcels to prisoners of war (PoWs). This followed rules set in 1929 about how PoWs should be treated. They sent food, medical supplies, books, and games. During the war, over 20 million food parcels were sent.

During the German occupation of the Channel Islands, the Red Cross ship SS Vega brought food parcels. This helped islanders avoid starvation.

After the Wars

After the Second World War, the British Red Cross focused on helping the many people who had been forced to leave their homes. They provided basic supplies and helped families find each other again. This work led to new rules in 1949 to protect regular people caught in wars.

Since then, the British Red Cross has helped people all over the world. This includes during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and famines in Africa in the 1980s. While their volunteers no longer go abroad, they send skilled workers to help with international emergencies.

In the UK, they have helped at many big disasters. These include the Aberfan disaster in 1966 and the 7 July 2005 London bombings. They offer medical help, run helplines for worried families, and provide emotional support.

In 2008, a garden party was held at Buckingham Palace. It celebrated 100 years since the British Red Cross received its royal charter.

How the British Red Cross Works

The UK Government recognizes the British Red Cross as one of three main volunteer aid groups. The others are St John Ambulance and St. Andrew's First Aid. The British Red Cross is the only Red Cross Society for the United Kingdom and its British Overseas Territories.

Overseas Locations

The British Red Cross has branches in these overseas places:

A former overseas branch was in British Hong Kong (before 1997).

What They Do

Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) Ambulance Volvo, used for 999 ambulance work in England

The British Red Cross is mainly an emergency response service. They help the government's emergency services during crises. This is part of their duty as a Red Cross society.

They offer many services to help emergency services. These range from giving first aid during a crisis to helping manage disaster appeals. They also provide phone support after an event.

All their services can be used for emergency response. For example, their care service can help people at a rest center. Their ambulances can help the NHS care for injured people.

The emergency response team has been at many major emergencies. These include the London bombings, the Manchester Arena bombing, and the Grenfell Tower fire. They also help with rail crashes, other fires, and floods. They work across the UK, 24 hours a day. They do not send their volunteers abroad. Instead, the Red Cross group in the affected country handles overseas disasters.

Besides this main service, the British Red Cross works in other areas, both in the UK and abroad. They are part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

First Aid and Ambulance Help

Event First Aid

A First Aid Treatment Unit (FATU) Ford Transit, used by the Event First Aid Team in England.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the biggest provider of first aid in the world.

The British Red Cross was well known for providing first aid at public events across the UK. However, they stopped offering Event First Aid in 2020. Thousands of volunteers used to help injured people at many events. These included football games, concerts, and big running events.

Volunteers received different levels of training. Some even became qualified Ambulance technicians.

Ambulance Support

British Red Cross Renault Master emergency ambulance, used by the AS team

The British Red Cross provides three main types of Ambulance Support:

• Patient transport service (PTS): Moving patients who are not in an emergency.
• Urgent patient transport: Moving patients who need urgent care.
• Blue light emergency response (999): Responding to serious emergencies.

They also provide ambulance services during:

• Busy times when more help is needed.
• Expected busy periods.
• Bad weather (e.g., using 4x4 ambulances).

There are different levels of medical staff:

• Ambulance Care Assistant (ACA): Helps move patients who are not in an emergency.
• Ambulance Crew: Provides emergency or urgent transport.
• Ambulance Technician (EMT): A qualified EMT.
• Paramedic: Highly trained medical professionals. The BRC employs them but does not train them.

Ambulance crews receive national training. They can offer advanced care to sick and injured patients. In many areas, British Red Cross ambulance crews help the NHS ambulance services. They respond to 999 calls when the NHS is very busy.

The British Red Cross provides ambulance support for the North East Ambulance Service. They also offer patient transport in South East Wales.

Fleet Support

Fleet Support vehicle - Land Rover Discovery, used by the BRC Fleet Support Team.

The British Red Cross's Fleet Support team is made of volunteers. They take care of the vehicles used by the Ambulance Support team. Their duties include:

• Washing and cleaning ambulances and other vehicles.
• Driving vehicles between offices and repair shops.
• Basic checks like filling windscreen wash and checking oil.
• Helping with supplies and equipment.

End of Event First Aid

In October 2019, the British Red Cross announced it would stop providing Event First Aid services from March 31, 2020. Their Ambulance Support services still continue.

First Aid Training

The British Red Cross teaches first aid across the UK. They train people in communities and for businesses. Their business training helps people get skills for first aid at work. They have been doing this for over 25 years, training more than 120,000 people each year. Courses range from basic life support to a three-day First Aid at Work course.

They also offer many first aid courses to the public. They reach out to schools, community groups, and other groups. One project, Everyday First Aid, helps people who might not otherwise get training, like those with disabilities.

Red Cross first aid training is known for giving people the skills and confidence to use what they learn. It combines learning with hands-on practice.

Fire and Emergency Support (FESS)

British Red Cross ESU and ERU in Inverness

This service helps people right after emergencies like a house fire or car crash. It is available in most parts of the UK. The British Red Cross provides help when asked by the local Fire and Rescue Service.

A team of two volunteers with a special vehicle will respond. They offer shelter, food, first aid, clothing, and emotional support. Volunteers help people deal with housing departments or insurance companies.

These teams also help firefighters and other emergency services at major incidents. They might provide refreshments or offer a listening service for those affected by what they have seen.

They also help with local emergency plans. They can help run centers for survivors or for friends and family. They also provide first aid at incident sites, freeing up paramedics. The Red Cross can also set up helplines for major incidents.

Medical Equipment Loan

The British Red Cross lets people borrow wheelchairs for free. They also work with some NHS hospitals. This service is available across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. They have nearly 1,000 offices that offer this service.

Humanitarian Education

This service helps people learn about the world and what it means to be human. It is not about religion or politics. It focuses on saving lives and reducing suffering. Humanitarian education helps students think about why people help others. It also explores the complex issues that come up when people help each other.

The British Red Cross provides learning materials for teachers. They also have trained volunteers who teach other young people. In 2008, they launched a game called Traces of Hope. It helped teach people about the Red Cross's work in conflict areas and how war affects regular people.

Health and Social Care

Care in the Home

In some areas, the British Red Cross offers short-term care for people who have just left hospital. They also help those who have had an injury. Volunteers visit people's homes and help with daily tasks like shopping or getting prescriptions. This helps people stay independent and feel good.

A small Red Cross team works at Leighton Hospital. They drive vulnerable patients home and help them settle in. The next day, they call to check on them. If needed, they can refer people to the Home from Hospital scheme. This scheme provides social support for up to six weeks.

People can be referred by health workers or ask for help themselves.

Therapeutic Care

British Red Cross volunteers also work in hospitals and care homes. They give patients a relaxing massage of the head, neck, shoulders, and hands. This helps people feel calm and well, especially during stressful times. Health professionals usually refer people to this service. However, people can also ask for it themselves. The service can be provided at community places or homes.

Crisis Intervention Community Support

This service helps people in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Cheshire. It offers emotional support during a crisis. It also helps people keep their independence. This service helps prevent people from needing to go to hospital or a care home. The team in Nottingham has 12 healthcare assistants. In 2014, they said they helped avoid 748 hospital admissions.

Transport Service

British Red Cross Ambulance - Land Rover Defender, used at an event called Armed Forces Day.

The British Red Cross offers transport for people who find it hard to get around. This includes those who don't have a car or easy access to public transport. They use cars or minibuses. This helps people live a normal life, for example, getting to medical appointments or shops. Some areas have 'Dial-a-Ride' schemes. Here, elderly or disabled people can call and be driven door-to-door by special minibuses.

They also provide ambulance transport in some areas. This is for moving patients between treatment places or for hospital admissions and discharges. Trained ambulance crews operate this service.

In 2008, Land Rover gave 60 Freelander vehicles to the British Red Cross. This was part of their 60th anniversary. These vehicles are used in the UK and around the world.

Refugee Support Services

Since 1989, the British Red Cross has helped refugees. They manage refugee reception centers across the country. They help refugees learn about their new home. They also make sure refugees have basic needs like shelter and food. If refugees have no money, the British Red Cross can give short-term emergency help. They also advise on other services. A befriending service helps vulnerable refugees, like young people and women. The British Red Cross can also help when many refugees arrive in the UK at once.

International Family Tracing

This is a special service offered by most Red Cross and Red Crescent societies worldwide. It started to help war refugees. Now, it helps anyone who has lost touch with family due to war or disaster. The global Red Cross network uses local volunteers to find relatives. They help people get back in touch or simply pass messages.

The British Red Cross also helps those separated by the Second World War.

International Disaster Relief

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is worldwide. This means there are volunteers in affected countries who can help during disasters. However, the British Red Cross also sends paid staff, called delegates, abroad. These delegates have special skills, like in logistics. They help other agencies after a major international disaster.

The British Red Cross also helps with recovery after the immediate disaster. They help communities get ready for future emergencies. They also support long-term development.

Muriel Skeet, a British nurse, was a key advisor for the British Red Cross from 1970 to 1978. She wrote a manual for relief work in 1977.

The British Red Cross is part of the UK Disasters Emergency Committee. This group of large charities raises money for major disasters, like the Boxing Day tsunami.

Health and Care Abroad

The British Red Cross works with other Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. They aim to improve health and care for vulnerable communities in other countries.

They have supported HIV work internationally since the 1980s. For example, in China, South Africa, and Ethiopia. They help fight Tuberculosis in Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. This includes raising awareness and supporting those affected. They also help with water and sanitation in countries like Zambia and Cambodia. They provide safer drinking water and educate people.

The British Red Cross also supports healthcare programs in conflict areas, such as Iraq and Sudan.

HIV Awareness

The British Red Cross supports the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's goal to fight HIV and AIDS worldwide. They work with young people to fight discrimination and reduce carelessness about catching the disease. On World AIDS Day (December 1) 2007, they launched an online campaign called "HIV: What's the story?" It aimed to reach young people in the UK and other countries. The campaign also used social media sites like Facebook.

What They Did in One Year (2010)

In 2010, the British Red Cross did these things:

• Gave water, food, and shelter to over 420,000 people affected by 25 disasters overseas.
• Trained 221,970 people in first aid in the UK.
• Provided first aid services at 9,533 public events.
• Responded to 2,102 emergencies in the UK.
• Helped 7,109 victims of fire.

How They Get Money

The British Red Cross is a charity. This means they rely a lot on donations from people and organizations. They also earn money from their services. These include First Aid Training for workplaces, providing first aid at events, and helping ambulance services.

While personal donations are important, large donations from companies make a huge difference. For example, being the Tesco charity of the year in 2007 brought in a lot of money.

Many events are held each year to raise money. These include sponsored bike rides, walks, and even skydives. Red Cross Appeal Week is held every May. It is around the birthday of the Red Cross founder, Henry Dunant. During this week, staff and volunteers ask for donations in public places.

The British Red Cross also gets funds from Will Aid. This scheme lets people have a basic will written for free. In return, they are asked to donate to charity.

Famous Supporters

To help get more support, the Red Cross has several celebrity ambassadors. These include Angela Rippon, Michael Buerk, James McAvoy, David Bull, Josie d'Arby, Nancy Dell'Olio, Konnie Huq, Craig Gannon, and Dougray Scott.

British Red Cross Museum

The British Red Cross has a museum. It shows items from when they started in 1870 until today. The museum is part of The London Museums of Health & Medicine group. You can see posters, photos, badges, medals, medical equipment, and fundraising items.

The museum is free to enter. You can visit without booking. If you want a guided tour or to do research, you need to book in advance.

Awards and Honours

• The Voluntary Medical Service Medal can be earned by volunteers. They get it after 15 years of service. They get a clasp for every five additional years. St. Andrew's First Aid in Scotland also gives this medal.
• British Red Cross Badge of Honour: An award given by the organization.

See also

• List of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies