SEARCH and rescue volunteers are needed by a group to continue its work of supporting the police looking for, and helping, vulnerable missing people.

Wiltshire Search and Rescue members, who range from teachers to delivery drivers, are all volunteers who receive the training needed to help save the lives of anyone from small children to elderly people suffering from dementia.

To ensure the team can continue to provide a high level of assistance, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, the organisation is holding an information evening in Devizes on Wednesday, October 19. 

The event aims to showcase the work that the search and rescue team does every year, and will allow potential volunteers to get a taste of the scale and variety of the organisation.

Wilsar chairman Adrian Sawyer said: “You don’t need to commit many hours a month but our volunteers make a huge difference to the families of the missing people.

"Our work, alongside Wiltshire Police, has already helped to locate 20 people this year and safely return them to their families and friends.

"In an average year, we’ll be called out 35 times, giving over 120 hours of our time to help the people of Wiltshire.”

Membership officer Cris Wiles said: "When we get the call from the police, it is vital that searchers are on the ground quickly, especially when bad weather makes the risk to the missing person even greater.

"If you are looking for a truly rewarding volunteering opportunity, and want to help save lives, then we’d love you to come to our event in Devizes.

"You’ll get a chance to hear from the team about our roles – everything from searching in water to dealing with a medical emergency – and work out where your skills and experience could fit.”

There are several roles within Wiltshire Search and Rescue but the group says what is most important is that volunteers are motivated, committed and outgoing.

Roles range from those who will take part in the search and rescue operations, through to supporting team members such as fundraisers, administration and maintenance.

Every volunteer will receive the appropriate equipment and be welcomed to a professional team where you can make friends, explore the outdoors and be rewarded with the satisfaction of making a vital difference to the most vulnerable members of the community.

Full training will be given so no experience is necessary.

The new members’ information evening is on Wednesday, October 19, from 7.30-10pm at The Wessex Room, Corn Exchange, The Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HS. Email membership@wilsar.org.uk