Who we are and what we do
The statement of position and services
The Red Cross is the
largest independent humanitarian network in the world
with more than 100 million members in 178 Red Cross/Red
Crescent societies across the globe. One of the most
active members of this movement, the British Red Cross
is also one of the UK’s leading charities with 40,000
trained volunteers working in almost every community.
Our services include:
• international relief and development
The British Red Cross responds rapidly to disasters
and conflicts around the world. We also help other
Red Cross and Red Crescent societies build the capacity
to deal with emergencies in their own countries.
• emergency response in the UK
The British Red Cross has emergency response capability
all around the country and is included in local authority
emergency plans for every county in the UK. It has
a special role as an official auxiliary to local authorities
and the NHS.
• first aid
The British Red Cross trains almost a hundred thousand
people every year to be prepared to cope with emergencies
in their everyday lives as well as in the workplace.
It also provides first aid teams for major public
events and at major incidents.
• short term support for independent living
The British Red Cross is a major provider of medical
equipment on loan to homeward bound patients. It also
supports the NHS in other ways, including transporting
patients to and from hospital and assisting them in
their homes.
• refugee and international tracing services
The British Red Cross provides practical and emotional
assistance to vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers
arriving in the UK. We also restore family links of
those separated by war or disaster. On average, the
British Red Cross reunites one family per day.
The Red Cross is distinctive from other humanitarian
organisations. Its role is recognised by international
treaties and national laws. All its actions are governed
by seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality,
neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity,
and universality.
The British Red Cross depends on donations from the
general public, companies, charitable trusts and the
income from its network of some 400 charity shops.
Money is raised by supporters throughout the country
for local services as well as wider work across the
UK and internationally. It also receives some funds
for specific projects from local and health authorities
and central government.
web:
http://www.redcross.org.uk
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