Major emergencies can put a strain on resources of the local authority and the emergency services. During such times additional support from organisations in the voluntary sector can be invaluable.

Co-operation between local authorities and voluntary organisations in Worcestershire is achieved through the County Volunteers Emergency Committee (CVEC).

The aim of CVEC is to ensure effective coordination of voluntary sector support before, during and after a major emergency or crisis.

The following organisations are members of the CVEC, and are committed to providing support via trained and validated volunteers in a major emergency:

• Age UK
• British Red Cross
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Crisis Support UK
• Gloucestershire and Worcestershire 4x4 Response
• Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network (RAYNET)
• Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
• Salvation Army
• Samaritans
• Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA)
• St John Ambulance
• West Midlands Search and Rescue (WMSAR)
• Worcestershire Voices
• Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS)