Cornwall Air Ambulance Recognised for Volunteer Support

Karolyn Albutt doesn’t have a lot of money to give. So she gives her time instead, and has done for the past nine years. She is one of around 300 people whose quiet, unpaid work helps keep Cornwall’s helicopters in the air. Now the charity they support has been recognised for how well it looks after them.

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust has achieved the Investing in Volunteers award for a third successive time. The award is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management, and it is valid for three years. That means the charity will hold the accreditation until 2029, having kept it continuously since 2017.

A rigorous six-step process

To receive the award, the charity had to complete a rigorous six-step process. That included an assessor meeting some of its Groundcrew volunteers and members of the wider team.

The final report noted that the trust is particularly mindful of volunteer health, safety and welfare. When asked what the charity does well, many volunteers referenced inclusivity. Those interviewed unanimously felt appreciated and valued, and the report said it was evident that the volunteers felt incredibly proud of volunteering for the charity.

“The unsung heroes of our charity”

Tim Bunting, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Everyone at the charity is incredibly proud to receive this award. It reflects the fantastic work of our Volunteer Manager, Jackie Eastwood, who has helped create an environment where our Groundcrew volunteers feel valued and supported.

“Most importantly, however, it is recognition for our volunteers themselves. They are the unsung heroes of our charity, giving their time, skills and passion to keep our helicopters in the sky and our crew providing specialist care each and every day. Thank you for all you do.”

Jackie Eastwood, Volunteer Manager, said: “We are so pleased to have once again received this accreditation, which helps to highlight the exceptional care we always strive to provide for all our amazing volunteers.

“Our ambition is to continuously generate a feeling of our Groundcrew volunteers being valued. They are a vital part in ensuring we can continue to provide critical care to those in need, right across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Simply put, we would not be able to provide the service we do without them.”

📷Jackie Eastwood, Cornwall Air Ambulance's Volunteer Manager with Investing in Volunteers certificate

Why Karolyn gives her time

One of those vital volunteers is Karolyn. Over the past nine years she has volunteered in a multitude of roles, and currently gives her spare time to help run reception at the charity’s headquarters in Newquay.

Her reason for being there is personal. Karolyn received help first-hand from the Cornwall Air Ambulance crew when her granddaughter was airlifted to Derriford Hospital for an urgent procedure many years ago.

Karolyn said: “My granddaughter’s outcome could have been a lot worse without the care the crew provided that day. I don’t have lots of money to donate, so I choose to give my time instead. I’ve learnt so much during my time here including how to properly use a computer. It’s a fantastic way to meet people and is great for your mental health.

“It’s the people that make volunteering here so special. There is great camaraderie and we all get on so well. If anyone is thinking of volunteering for Cornwall Air Ambulance, just do it!”

How to get involved

The news of the accreditation arrived during Volunteers’ Week, the annual UK-wide campaign celebrating the contributions of volunteers. The trust is grateful to have around 300 Groundcrew volunteers in various roles, helping at events, in the retail shops, at the airbase or as part of the jar collecting team.

Details of the latest volunteering opportunities can be found on the charity’s website.

Cornwall Air Ambulance is the UK’s first air ambulance service, and 2027 will mark its 40th anniversary. The charity receives no direct government funding towards running costs and needs to raise over £9m a year to keep the lifesaving service running.

📷Cornwall Air Ambulance volunteers