Could This Be a Lifesaver? Brewery Steps In to Help Cornwall’s Search and Rescue Volunteers

The St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust has donated six specialist jackets to the West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team (WCSAR), helping to equip new volunteers with essential gear for emergency response across the region.

Supporting Those Who Save Lives

The jackets, designed to withstand harsh weather, will be used by 13 new recruits currently training with WCSAR. Once qualified, the volunteers will be on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to incidents throughout the TR postcode area.

Founded in 2003 as the Cornwall Rescue Group, WCSAR was set up to ease pressure on Devon-based rescue teams. Today, its volunteers range in age from their mid-20s to mid-70s, united by a shared commitment to helping others in times of crisis.

Local Business with Deep Roots

The donation was made possible by the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust, which has supported charities, communities and individuals in need across the South West since 2003. To date, the Trust has raised more than £1 million to benefit the areas where St Austell Brewery operates its pubs and two breweries, located in Cornwall and near Bath.

Piers Thompson, External Affairs Director at St Austell Brewery, said:

“We’re proud to support West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, a charity that plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe. As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re deeply rooted in Cornwall and passionate about supporting causes that make a real difference locally. These volunteers give their time selflessly, often in dangerous conditions, and we’re pleased to help ensure they have the right equipment to carry out their life-saving work.”

📷St Austell Brewery’s Procurement Manager Laura Murphy (left) presenting the jackets alongside a member of the West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team

Volunteers Grateful for Support

Andy Brelsford, Chair of West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to St Austell Brewery for their generous donation, which has enabled us to purchase new Mountain Equipment waterproof jackets for our volunteer call-out members. These jackets will make a real difference to our team, ensuring that our volunteers stay warm, dry, and protected while responding to incidents in all weather conditions across Cornwall. Support from local businesses like St Austell Brewery helps us continue to provide a vital service to our community.”

Making a Difference Across the South West

In 2024 alone, the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust raised more than £150,000. Beneficiaries included Young Lives vs Cancer, Great Western and Cornwall Air Ambulances, the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and The Cornwall Bicycle Project CIC.

The Trust also provides grants to individuals needing life-enhancing support, such as mobility equipment and wheelchairs. Those wishing to apply for a grant can visit staustellbrewery.co.uk/charitable-trust