Professional Documents
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A FRESH START:
HAITI
YEARS
on...
3
TB in Kazakhstan
Ad campaign results
inside
First aid: are you willing to act?
Red Cross Life Issue No.92 February 2013 0845 054 7311 redroom.redcross.org.uk/life Editorial team Editor Miriam Jones Deputy editor Mark Cox Art editor Bryan Meredith Writers Craig Burnett, Ellie Matthews, Koel Mukherjee, Sarah Oughton Designers Sarah Trentham, Robin Stannard Photography Matthew Percival Abbreviations used: the Movement = International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross the Federation = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Red Cross Life is published by the communications coordination department of the British Red Cross, UK Office, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL. The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SC037738). None of the information contained herein may be copied, reproduced or used for external purposes without specific written authorisation from the British Red Cross. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the British Red Cross. Red Cross Life is printed on chlorine free, 50 per cent recycled paper.
Photos on page 2 (clockwise starting top right): Julien Goldstein (IFRC), Alex Rumford (BRC), Matthew Percival (BRC). Photo on page 3: Matthew Percival
News
First word
In November, I visited Haiti to see the work of the Red Cross in areas devastated by the 2010 earthquake. Rebuilding a city takes time, and the Red Cross share of that task is substantial and difficult. I went to Delmas 19, a densely populated slum near the centre of Port-au-Prince, where many homes had collapsed or were damaged. The British Red Cross is regenerating this area as part of its 23 million earthquake response programme and is working closely with the local
after people recovering from excessive alcohol intake. A new initiative in Watford saw volunteers operating a first aid post in the bustling town centre. Besides providing immediate medical help at their base, the first aiders accompanied by constables from Hertfordshire Police also responded to emergencies across the town centre on foot. In Glasgow, the now established first aid bus run in partnership with Strathclyde Police was parked in the city centre for all the big party nights, and volunteer teams treated 87 casualties.
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News
Photos on page Matthew Percival (BRC), Jonathan Banks, Matthew Percival (BRC)
When theres an emergency, Red Cross vehicles are ready to rush to the scene using a lot of environment-unfriendly fuel. But emergency vehicles at the Red Cross base in Mitcham are now partly fuelled by cooking oil thanks to a FuelPod machine which turns it into cheap, sustainable biodiesel. Matt Smith, operations officer, says: The machine is run purely on vegetable oil donated by local businesses and our volunteers. Its essentially a free source of fuel. So as well as being kinder to the environment, this saves the Red Cross money (more than 1,000 to date) which means more for its work in the UK and around the world. High-rise help London, 13 December Volunteers supported around 100 residents in a 20-storey tower block that lost its power and water supplies due to flooding. They distributed hot and cold water, and blankets. Ambulance support Sheffield, 14 December Volunteers, equipped with a FESS vehicle, helped transport discharged patients after Sheffield Teaching Hospital experienced an excessively high demand for its own vehicles.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
UPDATE
Chemical tanker fire Coventry, 12 December Four volunteers helped staff at a rest centre after a chemical tanker was involved in a road accident and caught fire, leaving motorists stranded.
News
Photos on page 6: Teri Pengilley, iStock. Photos on page 7: Patrick Harrison (BRCS).
A new survey commissioned by the British Red Cross shows that cuts to preventative social care support are putting vulnerable people at risk.
News in brief
Dignity Action Day Volunteers and staff helped commemorate this special day launched five years ago by the Department of Health on 1 February. The annual event highlights the importance of treating people with dignity and respect in all health and social care settings. To mark the occasion, the Red Cross produced some Dignity Action Day guidance, suggesting ways to take practical action in support of the day. edRoom search: R dignity action day Rural flood report launched The British Red Cross launched a new report, which explores the impact of flooding on rural communities in Northern Ireland, in Enniskillen on 14 December The popular launch event was attended by many emergency service, local authority and community representatives. Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland minister for trade, enterprise and investment, also made an appearance. Help for Britons during hostage crisis A British Red Cross psychosocial support team travelled to Algeria on 18 January to help Britons involved in the Algerian hostage crisis. The four-day siege and hostage taking resulted in the deaths of 37 foreigners of eight nationalities and one Algerian worker. Three Britons were killed and three others are missing and presumed dead. The team of six provided emotional support and practical help to British nationals caught up in the situation, and their relatives. They went as part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices (FCO) rapid deployment team, which is responsible for supporting Britons overseas.
According to the new ComRes poll, almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of councillors across England have seen funding for low-level social care cut or frozen since the last local election. And where cuts (averaging 16 per cent) have taken place, 76 per cent of councillors are worried about the elderly and vulnerable in their local area. At the same time, new findings by business advisory firm Deloitte have underscored the benefits the Red Cross can bring both in providing quality short-term care for the most vulnerable and saving millions of pounds of taxpayers money. Both the new reports, which contain positive findings about the Red Cross role in the health and social care sector, should bring multiple benefits to the organisation. Adrian Thomas, head of external relations, said: First, they will help the Red Cross influence the ongoing debate about social care reform as the government considers its next steps. They should also increase the public profile and uptake of our health and social care services among the wider public, while also expanding our local authority and NHS contracts.
Special events and celebrations helped Red Cross shops raise 4,014,211 over the Christmas period beating their target of 4 million. Shops up and down the UK used everything from raffles to cocktail evenings and celebrity guests to raise cash for people in crisis. In London, the Kensington and Chelsea shop held its annual designer event, which this year was opened by Pippa Middleton (pictured left) who also donated some signed copies of her new party planning book. Plymstock furniture and electrical shop got the tills ringing with a glamorous cocktail evening, while in Hove customers enjoyed a taste of luxury with a cheese and wine night. In Tenby volunteers knitted cute decorations in the shape of Christmas puddings (see page 9), while the Rossendale shop was transformed into a magical grotto with the return of its festive toy fair. And in Rochester even the stingiest of Scrooges opened their wallets as the shop took part in the towns Dickens-themed celebrations. redcross.org.uk/charityshops
Photos on page 8: BRC, Matthew Percival (BRC), BRC, Victoria Wood-Matthews (BRCS)
SHOP WINDOW
Paper dress hits the right note A festive dress with a musical twist pulled in curious customers at the Red Cross shop in Belper, Derbyshire in the run up to Christmas. Assistant manager Laura Seal created the dress (pictured) out of 50 to 60 pages of sheet music, featuring the words and tunes of Christmas songs Deck the Halls and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Christmas puds in Tenby One retail volunteer in Tenby had an original idea to boost Christmas countdown sales which topped 800. Christine Griffiths knitted around 200 woolly Christmas pudding decorations, each containing a chocolate, which sold for 1. Her sister, Buddy, sewed all the holly leaves on top. Kathryn Hodgson, shop manager, said: Id also like to thank Gill Couch, assistant manager, for baking hundreds of mince pies and all the volunteers, for their fantastic support. Winter windfall in Sutton The Red Cross shop in the quiet village of Sutton has become a hotbed of curiosities, after receiving some unique high-end items in recent months. An antique German clock is on sale for 175, while an ornate Italian lamp and striking Faberg egg were both snapped up for 80. Eagle-eyed shop manager Lesley Cross spotted these gems among the donations and knew they were something special. Lesley said: Our shops only little, but you do get some unusual items. After eight years Im used to being surprised! redcross.org. uk/charityshops
LOCAL HERO
Hayley Gray
Youth, fundraising and emergency response volunteer, north Wales
Hayley delivers first aid and humanitarian education for young people in north Wales. She is an excellent ambassador for the Red Cross and was recently nominated for a Humanitarian Citizen Award (see picture). Last November, she became a real hero when flooding struck St Asaph, where she lives. Despite the fear of her own home being flooded, she headed down to the rest centre to help evacuees. Her beaming smile was welcomed by everyone who came in. On her own initiative, Hayley also set up a donation centre where people could give clothing and furniture to those affected. She knew many peoples Christmas plans were ruined, so decided to put aside new donations and wrap them as Christmas presents for the flood victims. Hayley is not just a hero for the Red Cross but also in her community. She worked long hours during the floods, saying: I couldnt stop knowing that people still needed help. Laura Clays, people and learning manager, Wales
Independent: village warden Sue Williams (right) helped Anne Pitt get the support she needs
Photos on page 10: Matthew Percival (BRC). Photos on page 11: Sarah Oughton (BRC), ICRC
COUNTRY PROFILE
LIBERIA
The increase in demand for services demonstrates just how necessary it is for us to promote our work
> Capital MONROVIA > Population 3.8 MILLION > Life expectancy 56.8 YEARS > UN Human Development Index RATED 182 OUT OF 187 COUNTRIES
redcross.org.uk/liberia
The British Red Cross supports the Liberian Red Cross disaster management programme, as well as helping communities recover from the conflict through:
deal with the trauma of the war through counselling and recreational activities, and providing education and vocational training.
Fourteen years of civil war, from 1989 to 2003, had a devastating effect on the people of Liberia, with around 150,000 people killed and many maimed, both physically and mentally. In the aftermath, communities struggled to meet their daily needs. More than 21,000 child soldiers were used by armed parties to the conflict. Afterwards, they were often treated as outcasts.
and how to prevent them. This includes building wells and latrines, helping mothers care for their own health and their childrens during and after pregnancy, and first aid training.
We used to have to walk five hours to get to the clinic. A lot of people would get diarrhoea and some died. In 2004, the Red Cross built a well and two toilets in our village. They taught us about health and hygiene, and gave us drinking buckets, mosquito nets and seeds for communal farms. Now my two children have not suffered one day from diarrhoea or cholera.
Faty Togbah, Kornemah, a remote village in the Liberian jungle
Screen stardom is paying off for the Red Cross. The organisations recent advertising campaign boosted awareness and understanding of its work in the UK and sparked a surge in requests for services. The TV advert at the heart of the campaign featured a young woman representing different types of crisis, from floods to first aid emergencies. It highlighted Red Cross work on emergency response, first aid and health and social care across Britain. For four weeks it appeared on the TV screens of 40 million adults before, during and after must-watch programmes such as Downton Abbey. Whats more, about 35 million adults had over a dozen chances to see campaign posters on bus stops, billboards and other outdoor surfaces across the UK. And five million picked up copies of the Metro newspaper featuring ads linked to the campaign.
The TV advert was viewed 500,000 times on YouTube, while campaign posts on Facebook were liked 18,236 times Among people who saw the adverts, two thirds said they learned something new about the work the charity does in the UK, and two in five thought the services of the Red Cross were more relevant to them personally. There was a six per cent increase in people who spontaneously thought of the Red Cross when asked to recall the names of UK charities, with the TV element of the campaign accounting for most of this improvement. Increased demand for services Fiona Smith, campaign manager, said: Weve had superb feedback about the campaign and the increase in demand for services demonstrates just how necessary it is for us to promote our work to people who need our help. During the campaign, 1,658 requests for services were made a 27 per cent rise compared to the weeks before the adverts were shown. The campaign also sparked a surge in visits to the Red Cross Facebook page and website, where the UK services
pages achieved 84 per cent more views. Total visits to the site rose by nine per cent. On Facebook, volunteer Alison Fraser praised the attention grabbing and up to date TV advert. Lucy Burbedge said: I really love it, great ad for the times, am proud to be part of the Red Cross when I see it. The campaign continues this year with more newspaper advertising and the return of the TV advert in February, May and over the summer. Legacy adverts And these were not the only Red Cross messages appearing on screens up and down the country last year. Adverts, aimed at 55 to 70-year-olds, encouraging people to support the Red Cross with a gift in their will were also broadcast on TV, radio and online. In follow-up research, over half of those interviewed remembered seeing the awareness or legacy TV ads, with over one in five recalling both. Importantly, researchers found people who watched the legacy ads were ten per cent more likely to consider leaving a gift for the Red Cross in their will.
Fact box
COLOMBIA
Thanks to the ICRCs track record in Colombia and its reputation for neutrality, impartiality and confidentiality, the organisation plays a prominent role as neutral intermediary in humanitarian issues. In 2012, it facilitated 29 hostage liberations and directly helped many more people with the recovery of mortal remains, assistance for displaced people and the mediation of abuses of international humanitarian law.
Army officials, guerrilla commanders and civilians alike, joke darkly about the conflict around the small town of Saravena in the omba of Arauca Sarab Colombian state displacement, they call it. Mass ions and summary execut disappearances, ars, ye er the past 50 major combat: ov h it all. ug ro th ed ea have liv civilians in this ar
Daniel
Appeal Update
International
SYRIA
Photos on page 12: Sarah Oughton (BRC), Photos on page 13: Julien Goldstein.
i t l Mu loured co h t a p e r u fut i t i a H
to the in
Written by Sarah Oughton As the Red Cross helps regenerate a community devastated by the Haiti earthquake, it is taking an innovative approach, ensuring the people affected are in the driving seat. With a pair of gloves in hand, Lucie Janvier assesses her wheelbarrow and chooses the next colour of brick to lay. As part of a British Red Cross urban regeneration project in her neighbourhood, Delmas 19 in Port-au-Prince, Lucie is helping build a path beside the canal. When the project began, in July 2012, the community was invited to select a diverse range of representatives, including younger and older people, women and people with disabilities, to form a committee.
Continued on page 14
HAITI
UGANDA
has contributed to increasingly frequent floods and landslides in recent years. William Kimanai is a 34-year-old community volunteer in Wanga village one of the 30 communities to receive seedlings. He said: Weve been given a number of tree species including mangoes, guavas, oranges and eucalyptus. The trees conserve moisture and that is why we plant them along the river banks. We encourage every household member to plant at least three trees. Speaking about the programme, Ken Kiggundu, Uganda Red Cross director of disaster management, said: We are determined that people living in these high-risk areas should have every opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. Normally what we call a disaster begins as a hazard. Given the right knowledge and skills people can ensure potential disasters cause minimal disruption and loss to their community. redcross.org.uk/ugandaprogramme
Hurricane Sandy caused destruction across the Caribbean and the east coast of the United States in October 2012. Since then, the Movement has been supporting affected countries with food, clean water and other essentials. It has also been working to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in the hurricanes wake. The Department for International Development has contributed 850,000 to Cubas recovery and 875,000 to Haiti. Through the British Red Cross, this vital aid will enable the Cuban and Haitian Red Cross Societies to provide food, shelter and other support to affected people. The appeal has now raised 488,000.
12 January 2010 an earthquake struck Port-au-Prince; at least 230,000 people killed, 310,000 injured and 2 million displaced 13 January 2010 the British Red Cross launches an appeal and the emergency response operation begins
16 January 2010 deployment of logistics emergency response unit (ERU) for four months
Together, the British Red Cross and the committee developed a programme according to the communitys priorities, which included improving the infrastructure, as well as peoples homes and livelihoods. Altogether, it will benefit around 4,000 people. John English, recovery operations manager, says: Every step of the way the committee is consulted and involved in making decisions about the work. Their first priority was to rebuild the drainage canal which runs through Delmas 19 and regularly floods houses in the neighbourhood with dirty water. In August 2012 this work was put to the test when Tropical Storm Isaac swept through Haiti, bringing heavy rains and winds with it. It was the first time such heavy rain had not caused the houses next to the canal to flood. Urban planning The Red Cross provides material for the programme and members of the community provide labour, backed up by skilled advice and supervision from Red Cross staff. It is this highly participative approach (ensuring the community really owns the programme), along with the integrated way of working (responding to a range of needs in the community), which is innovative. Amelia Rule, Red Cross shelter delegate, says: We analysed the neighbourhood and found a distinct lack of public space, especially safe areas for children to play. The only unoccupied area was the open drainage canal. While designing the canal reconstruction, we saw a great opportunity; if we covered the channel with a concrete platform, it could become a public pathway and a key route for crossing between the zones. The community is now a lot more connected, and also has an emergency route to the main road. Paving the way forward Lucie, who is 60 and has eight children, is part of a team of 12 who have learned how to lay
stones. As she lays another coloured slab, she says: Thanks to the Red Cross, we feel life is a bit better than before. A few months ago, no one would sit along the canal, it wasnt nice. Now, you can easily spend time here with your friends. The next phase of infrastructure work involves clearing rubble-filled sites next to the canal and creating a public space with a seating area and trees. It is being integrated with the paved area on top of the canal, by also using coloured paving stones. Amelia says: The Federation has a rubble recycling project, turning destroyed buildings into paving stones and furniture to use in the reconstruction of Port-au-Prince. The shape of the paving stones lets the team be very creative; they are also designing areas for hop-scotch and playing marbles. Shelter and livelihoods In addition to improving community infrastructure and public health, the Red Cross is supporting shelter and livelihood needs. This differs according to a familys situation. Shelter support includes house reconstruction, repairs, provision of materials for repairs and support for renting accommodation. Also, around 3,500 families were given unconditional cash grants of $125, followed by two conditional grants of $250 each, along with basic business and financial management training, for the development of a small business. The new pathway Lucie is working on also improves livelihood opportunities for members of the community: traders can set their stalls up and benefit from the business of passersby, though this is not the only benefit, as Lucie notes with a big smile: Imagine at night, with lights, and the colour of the stones, sitting here eating fried food and some drinks. Imagine how beautiful it will be. redcross.org.uk/haiti
JOSETTES STORY
Imagine at night, with lights, and the colour of the stones. Imagine how beautiful it will be
August 2010 4,028 families given unconditional cash grants of $250 in Automeca camp, Port-au-Prince
October 2010 December 2011 over 340,000 people reached with information on how to prevent and treat cholera
January September 2011 3,081 households benefit from daily wages while working on infrastructure project
July 2012 phase two of recovery programme begins, with a regeneration project in Delmas 19, benefitting 4,000 people
October 2012 January 2013 support for rehousing 900 families in Automeca camp
December 2013 planned completion of British Red Cross recovery programme in Haiti
April May 2010 emergency response phase ends and phase one of recovery programme begins
December 2010 September 2011 6,647 school fees paid for displaced children for one school year
April 2011 May 2012 3,474 families given unconditional cash grants of $125 in Delmas 19, Port-au-Prince, followed by conditional grants of $500 for income generating activities
Snapshot
1. Triage: the Red Cross responds to first aid emergencies as part of the exercise Creature comforts: pets are often 2. brought along to rest centres during evacuations Working together: local schools, 3. drama groups and community organisations are involved to make the exercise a realistic event Role-play: schoolchildren play the part 4. of casualties
First aid
Ready to
Too many people still lack the confidence to put their first aid skills into practice when it really counts but the Red Cross is taking steps to improve matters. First aid training is automatically a great thing. Just teach people the proper skills, hand them a certificate and theyll be ready to tackle emergencies wherever they go. Thats how it works, surely? Sadly, it isnt necessarily so. Apparently, having the proper training doesnt always translate into hard action in the face of a crisis. Recent research shows just seven per cent of the UK population has the skills and willingness to help a stranger. The reasons for this are straightforward enough: people often worry about getting things wrong or even being sued and nerves can play a part. In fairness, there is a big difference between working on a resus dummy in a training room and giving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a casualty on a crowded street.
respond?
Photos on page 13 : Matthew Percival (BRC). Photos on page 14 Alex Rumford (BRC).
Confidence booster
Thats why the British Red Cross has produced The Skill and the Will, a new resource pack to help first aid trainers really push home the importance of taking action. Emily Oliver, programme manager, explains: The packs designed to boost confidence and encourage serious discussion among participants about how to behave in an emergency situation. It reinforces the point that Red Cross training absolutely equips people with the qualities to make a difference. It also reassures first aiders that, once they call 999, they are not alone the emergency operator will provide support until an ambulance arrives. The resource also includes two newspaper stories about casualties who were ignored in public places, highlighting the dangers of the bystander effect.
Successful pilot
The Skill and the Will is the result of extensive research conducted across three Areas Nottingham, Reading and Glasgow in 2011. Using the Everyday First Aid course as a starting point, the Red Cross tested five different combinations of activities. The most effective model which placed a strong emphasis on increasing the propensity to act produced significantly more participants who later felt willing to help during an emergency. Emily added: This new approach, which we plan to gradually roll out over the next year, should be a massive help to our first aid trainers. I cant recommend it highly enough.
It all came back to me automatically. I kept him going until the ambulance crew arrived
People
From day one the professionalism and friendliness of the Red Cross was great
This new feature gives a quick glimpse into the lives of some of our volunteers across the country. This issue, give a cracking welcome to Mark Walker. Whats your service? Im an event first aid and emergency response volunteer based in the West Midlands. Been with the Red Cross for Twelve years, and still proud to be a member. Greatest achievement Passing my emergency driving course. Who wouldnt be chuffed? You can drive through red lights legally. Weirdest volunteer experience? Being ordered to start crying in front of another man. (In fairness, I was roleplaying a casualty at the time.) Whod play you on the movie of your life? Ade Edmondson hes my lookalike. Special skill I have been known to do the odd bit of ballroom dancing. Main Red Cross gripe We dont tell the public enough about what we do. Were always there when we are needed, so lets get in the news more. Desert island disc Cry Me A River, by Michael Bubl. How many Facebook friends do you have? That would be telling. Become my friend and find out. Preferred superpower The ability to be invisible. I just cant say no to Sausage and egg on crusty bread with red sauce. Now, thats a mans sandwich. Motto Well, thats life
A lifeline in Kazakhstan
Like the common cold, TB primarily infects lungs and spreads via droplets in the air released during coughing and As the threat of HIV and tuberculosis sneezing. This contagious element of (TB) is increasing in Kazakhstan, Red the disease, along with Crescent workers are lack of information on serving on the frontline, how to prevent and providing vital support treat it, means those to people facing stigma living with TB often and discrimination. struggle in the face of In the city of Karaganda, huge discrimination. the stigma of tuberculosis (TB) has left Aigherim and The Kazakhstan Red her family living in fear of Crescent, supported by eviction by their landlord. the British Red Cross, is Although it is a curable working hard to educate disease, TB kills three people about the people every minute. disease. It also provides People who lack the a lifeline to people resources to live a healthy like Aigherim and her life are most at risk, which family. Usually, staff and is why it is often called a volunteers visit people disease of poverty. in their home, but Aigherim, 23, her Aigherim and her family husband, their three fear drawing attention children, her parents, her to their home due to the New hope: the Red Crescent sister Aisulu, and Aisulus discrimination they have is supporting Dmitry (above) and Aigherim (below left) to newborn baby all live experienced. help them recover from TB in one apartment. Aigherim says: The Money is short, their Red Crescent support living conditions is very important, but poor and TB is we prefer to go to their plaguing their lives. office. Were frightened My mother caught TB the landlord will kick from my grandfather, who us out if he finds out she nursed till he passed about our TB status. It away, Aigherim says. happened before, in the When I found out I also middle of the night, with had it, I began crying. My the kids. sister was pregnant when Her husband, Syrym, she found out she had it, adds: It was a real but her partner still left her. ordeal for us to find another apartment. Written by Sarah Oughton
TB hot spot
In recent years, central Asia has become a global hot spot for multi-drug resistant TB, which Aigherim, her mother and sister all have. TB is curable with a course of drugs that lasts several months, but the drugs have extreme side effects. If people dont understand the importance of completing the treatment and stop early, it increases the chance of re-infection. In such cases, strains of TB can become resistant to the drugs used to treat it. Aigherims three children have all had TB as well. They were cured after a stay in hospital, however now theyve returned to the poor living conditions in the overcrowded family apartment, there is a risk they will get re-infected. Aiman Shaimerdenova, Red Crescent project co-ordinator, says: We are doing all we can to help. We encourage them to stick to their TB treatment, talk to them about how to keep healthy and provide food packages every three months.
there is also a team of professional social workers, psychologists and lawyers who provide a free support service. The legal support is particularly important to help people address issues of discrimination and to get official documents needed to access public services.
Desire to live
Vulnerable to infection
They always ask whats going on and follow up, they dont leave us alone
In Kazakhstan, a growing dependence on drugs, and the sharing of needles, has resulted in an increasing number of HIV infections. And because HIV affects peoples immune systems, they are more susceptible to picking up other infections, such as TB. Ex-prisoners, sex workers and people who inject drugs are particularly vulnerable to TB and HIV. The Kazakhstan Red Crescent is focused on helping such people, who are often marginalised and unlikely to access public services. Volunteers play a vital role, visiting people, providing emotional support, advice and encouragement on taking medication and keeping healthy. However,
A heavy heroin user, diagnosed with TB and HIV, and estranged from his wife and daughter, Dmitry had no desire to live. His story isnt unusual in his run-down neighbourhood in Termirtau. Dmitry says: When I was taking drugs, everything I appreciated and loved became insignificant. Then I got HIV and TB and I found it really tough to live in this world. I felt like an outcast. However, these days Dmitry has a new partner, a desire to live and has given up drugs. The attitude of people at the Red Crescent makes a huge difference, theyve helped me survive, Dmitry says. They always ask whats going on and follow up, they dont leave us alone. Sergei, who lives in Karaganda, tells a similar story. When he was diagnosed with TB he was so worried about infecting his family that he considered leaving home and living in his truck. Through the Red Crescent programme, Sergei learnt a lot about how to prevent the spread of TB and no one else in the family has caught it. Now he is a strong advocate for treatment. He says: Men are often shy to speak about their problems but with a peer they can be more open. Ive learned a lot from the volunteers and now I encourage other men to get treated. redcross.org.uk/tb
Life-saving knowledge: Sergei learned how to prevent TB spreading to other members of his family
Shoppers at the Westfield centre in Londons Shepherds Bush were able to solve their Christmas gift dilemmas while supporting the British Red Cross. A special Red Cross pop-up shop was set up in the retail paradise using the theme: Its not shopping, its charity! to encourage people to enjoy guilt-free spending. Christmas treats on offer included stocking fillers and presents for all ages, such as vintage aprons, mugs and classic childrens toys. The shop was open for business from 13-16 December, over one of the busiest weekends of the year. In total, xxx people spent more than xxxx over the four days. Di Goss, retail manager, said: The idea was to raise awareness of our high street and online shops in the run up to Christmas, which also featured the same banners. Westfield attracts 500,000 visitors each week so it was a fantastic opportunity to raise not only money, but also awareness of our work in the UK and overseas.
Cornwall residents in emergency situations can expect dedicated support from a Red Cross team, with the launch of the new fire and emergency support service (FESS) on 11 December. Based at Falmouth Community Fire Station, trained volunteers will work alongside the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, providing emotional and practical support during fires, floods and other emergencies. Red Cross volunteers and firefighters teamed up in a fire simulation exercise at Tuesdays launch event, to demonstrate how this new partnership will work. Exeter University student Frankie Boyd (20) said: Well provide an oasis of calm when people are shocked and upset. FESS supports people in many other areas of the UK, but this is its first time in rural Cornwall, where flooding is a regular occurrence. For now, the service can only operate on weekends but, with more volunteers, FESS hopes to be providing a round-the-clock service later next year.
Obituaries
Claire Clark BEM died on 28 December, aged 91. Claire joined the Red Cross in Langport in Somerset in 1937, as a nursing cadet, at the age of 16. Claires many years of service as organiser, secretary, trainer, first aider, welfare officer and fundraiser were recognised by a series of Red Cross Badges of Honour. In 1980, she was awarded the British Empire Medal. In 1979, Claire played a key role in arranging for a building for the Langport group to be purchased and converted. She was centre organiser until 1987 and continued to play an active role until 2000
Dr James Fisher died on 19 December, aged 90. He was a very active member of the community and an enthusiastic supporter of the Red Cross. He was a keen gardener and, for over 20 years, opened his beautiful gardens at Throop Mill Cottage in Bournemouth to raise funds for the Red Cross. He and his wife, Rosemary, were always welcoming hosts. Cynthia Jolliffee died in July, aged 91. Cynthia retired to Suffolk having been centre organiser for Westminster centre, where she had been involved in training and fundraising. She undertook the organising of the Open Garden scheme in the Woodbridge area for many years. She was a Link Group member from 2001 until her death.
PAST
Korean War
In 1953, I was asked to help with the exchange of Commonwealth prisoners of war (POWs) at a place called Mun San Ni in Korea, during the conflict. I was the only British woman at the exchange point, meeting the POWs as they came through. I wrote to every single family. After Korea, I went to Accra in west Africa and then on to Cyprus for two years, when the troubles were on.
Welfare in Taunton
VE Day in Paris
I remember being in Paris for VE day. It was absolutely amazing. Everyone went mad, up and down the Champs-lyses. If you were British, people just came up and threw their arms around you. It was incredible. After France, I was posted to Singapore Military Hospital, as a
In 1968, I went to the Red Cross headquarters in Taunton, as county welfare officer. I was involved in training welfare officers and volunteers, working with social services. I also organised holidays for people with disabilities. After I retired in 1982, until a couple of years ago, Ive been volunteering locally, doing fundraising collections, and so on. Its been a challenge a lovely challenge. And I so admire the principles of the Red Cross. Its respected by everyone, everywhere. It has been my family for so long. editor@redcross.org.uk
Helena Robinson died on 21 November, aged 65. Helena joined the Red Cross in 1977 and was involved for 35 years. Based in Bognor Regis, Helena was a valued and dedicated first aid volunteer. She gave many hours of volunteering at local events and had a special ability to put casualties at ease when they were in distress. She received a 35 year service badge and was proud to have visited the Red Cross headquarters in Geneva.
Do you have a memory you would like to share with Red Cross Life readers?
Life
Letters
Blog
21 NOV, 2012
WE DONT CHALLENGE YOU TO LEARN FIRST AID; WE CHALLENGE YOU NOT TO!
By Jonathan Whitham
Jonathan manages a team of advisers who provide advice and take bookings for first aid at work courses.
Earlier this year the British Red Cross asked over 4,000 people who book or have completed a first aid at work course what motivated them to learn life saving skills and how they felt about it afterwards. We were really pleased when the results of our Big Red Survey came in more than 85 per cent of the people we asked said that they now feel happy about the fact that they can help people, with almost 40 per cent saying they feel generally more confident in themselves. But this got us thinking, if you can do something that makes you feel good, improves your self-esteem and means you can help colleagues, friends or family why wouldnt you learn first aid? To read this post in full, read more blogs and share your comments, go to redcross.org.uk/blogs
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Kathy Gough First aid is such a good skill to have. I used to be a care assistant and there was one time I had to use CPR on one of my clients. Although in the end she sadly passed away, when the paramedics came they managed to revive her, and she spent her last few hours with her family by her bedside. I would definitely recommend learning first aid. You never know when you could need it. 5 December at 22.26 Marcia Sparks People often use a bag of frozen veg to apply to a bump or an injury to reduce swelling, as many people dont have the soft ice packs at home. I work in a school so we have many ice packs in the freezers ready for use, but this is a great substitute. 6 December at 9.15 Karen Brooks I am a guide leader. All guiders have to have a current first aid certificate and we then start the girls off too! I have used mine on several occasions too! Very useful! 6 December at 21:17 Rebecca MP Did my first aid with Red Cross, Newbury. Great fun and valuable :) 6 December at 21:18 Dick Harris
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Jono Hambrey This time tomorrow I will be at #redconnect setting up for the current and next generation of leaders to meet and get some training :-) Emily What a day at #redconnect a mix bewteen leadership activities, discussions, finding out about the international movement and entertainment. Sazzy I think #redconnect needs to be a day longer, theres still too much fun to be had!
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British Red Cross We are currently campaigning to get first aid on the curriculum! Sign our e-petition and help us put first aid and humanitarian education on the national curriculum at redcross.org.uk/ pupilcitizenlifesaver 10 December at 11:20
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