Wessex Flood Rescue has been carrying out recent response and rescue operations with the assistance of new equipment and training sessions funded by its award from our Powering Communities to Net Zero (PCNZ) fund.
ABOVE: Some of the Wessex Flood Rescue team with the kit and boat purchased through funding from SSEN's Powering Communities to Net Zero fund (PHOTO CREDIT - Wessex Flood Rescue)
The Dorset-based voluntary organisation was one of 32 successful applicants in central southern England to receive support through the 2025 round of our fund, which seeks to award low-carbon technology and resilience projects across communities and charities in its distribution area.
Through its award of £11,500, the nationally listed asset has further strengthened its voluntary flood, water rescue and drone unit emergency response capability across Dorset and the surrounding areas; helping save lives and provide ongoing support to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services, and Dorset Police.
ABOVE: Wessex Flood Rescue responding to recent flooding the local area (PHOTO CREDIT - Wessex Flood Rescue)
The funding has helped to purchase a new rescue boat, flood raft and safety helmets, alongside responder training to help the team respond safely and effectively during severe weather incidents, and comes at an important time for Wessex Flood Rescue, which has already experienced one of its busiest years on record and responded to significant flooding earlier this year.
Our Head of Operations for the Wessex area, Hayley Joynson says:
“We’re proud to support Wessex Flood Rescue through our Powering Communities to Net Zero fund and help its team of volunteers to invest in vital rescue equipment and training.
“By providing them with this award we’re helping to further strengthen their ability to respond to flooding and severe weather incidents, and support local communities when it matters most.”
A spokesperson for Wessex Rescue adds:
“The new kit is already being put to use, and we have had a busy period recently with both callouts and training.
“SSEN’s support goes a long way in helping us continue responding when communities need us and this year has already been our busiest on record, with the flooding in January showing just how important that support is.”
ABOVE: Wessex Flood Rescue making sure all members of the community are safe (PHOTO CREDIT - Wessex Flood Rescue)
Wessex Rescue is one of 32 successful applicants in central southern England to receive support through the 2025 round of our Powering Communities to Net Zero fund. Across the region, 10 low-carbon technology projects and 22 resilience projects received awards worth £129,000 and £215,000 respectively.
The PCNZ fund is running annually through to Spring 2028, with over £3m in grants to be awarded during this time. It'll support communities during prolonged power interruptions caused by storms, aid their ability to cope in periods of severe weather, and support the adoption of low-carbon technologies like solar panels, EV chargers and battery storage.
Applications for the latest round of the fund have now closed, with an independent panel due to meet in the autumn to agree the successful recipients of the 2026 grants. All details on our Powering Communities to Net Zero find can be found here - www.ssen.co.uk/pcnz.