Spelthorne’s Sunbury Flood Volunteers was founded on Facebook 10/02/2014 in response to last winter's local flooding. As well as running the local flood resource center at St Mary’s Parish Hall, Green Street, they coordinated much groundwork, including sand-bagging removal of household goods to storage etc.
They have helped over 150 residents and over 70 households with cleaning and removal of slurry from their properties, to filling in 'repair and renew' grants, and moving residents back into their homes. The work is still ongoing and they are currently removing debris from our local waterways
The SSFV Unit has been developing for 12 months to provide initial training to individuals in Module 1 Water Awareness safety. In addition, SSFV have successfully completed level 5 water incident management, a 4 day component for team leaders responsible for management and co-ordination; health and safety; and liaison with other team leaders regarding tasking and welfare.
SSFV’s aim is to provide trained Flood Emergency Responders who will be able to react quickly to a flood emergency and provide support within the affected community. In the recent floods a number of residents were left isolated for more than 7 days even though the flood water wasn't very deep. . Unfortunately, the response available was provided by volunteers who were poorly equipped and untrained for the role they were given. Trained Flood Emergency Responders would have been able to visit the local residents simply to reassure them about the situation and to provide logistical support.
Last winter's floods demonstrate the requirement for properly trained Flood Rescue Responders. The need for more people to be trained around the Country is also evidenced within DEFRA documentation including the Flood Rescue Concept of Operations. Furthermore, the Pitt Review clearly demonstrates the need for Flood Rescue Teams and the benefits that these teams can provide. SSFV will supply free training for volunteers and also improve life skills.
If you are interested in joining SSFV or would like more information on either clean-up or rescue volunteers. please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
