Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue is set to expand its life-saving work thanks to funding from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

The charity applied for the grant through SSEN's Resilient Communities Fund (RCF) and, with an award of over £13,500 from the distribution network operator, were able to buy a much-needed rescue boat. Working with Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs, the new inflatable vessel will give even more flexibility to the services they provide as Tom McWilliam PR Officer for Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue explains:

"This latest grant we have received means we can now launch a water rescue service in Berkshire; giving us the ability to search on and in water for missing people, as well as being able to assist in major emergency situations including flooding. We couldn't do the life-saving work we do without the support from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. That support has allowed us to develop what we offer to Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue and Local authorities through our work finding vulnerable missing people and being a civil contingency partner. We look forward to continuing to work with SSEN very closely in the coming years and once again thank them for their ongoing support."

John Wright, Thames Valley Regional Manager for SSEN added: "This is an excellent example of how organisations can work together and can make the most of SSEN's RCF to enhance local services. I was lucky enough to see a demonstration by the teams and the work of these volunteers really shows how we at SSEN can help them build on the emergency responses they provide to help local communities, residents and businesses cope during times of crisis."

"I would encourage anyone who thinks their community could benefit from the RCF to look at the details on the SSEN website where they can find out more about the scheme and how they can apply."

SSEN's Resilient Communities Fund is open to community groups, parish councils, not-for-profit organisations and local charities in the company's operating region across central southern England, and offers grants of up to £20,000 to applicants who want to help make their local area more resilient. Particularly focusing on helping vulnerable or isolated people living in our network areas, the fund aims to support projects that:

  • Protect the welfare of vulnerable community members through enhancing their resilience and improving community participation and effectiveness.
  • Enhance community facilities, services and communication specifically to support the local response in the event of a significant emergency event.

To find out more, please go to: https://www.ssen.co.uk/Resiliencefund/