Red Cross Week is an annual celebration of the work done by the British Red Cross, a humanitarian organisation that supports vulnerable and marginalised communities. It ties in with World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8th.
At Choice Care, we also pride ourselves on helping vulnerable people, including families caring for loved ones who may be isolated or in need of support. In addition to homecare, we provide respite care in Blackburn to give primary caregivers a break.
When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s easy to overlook your own needs, but we’re here to give you peace of mind that they’re being well taken care of while you relax.
If you’d like to know more about the Red Cross and how you can support this great cause and other vulnerable people in the community read on.
History of the Red Cross
The Red Cross is the world’s largest humanitarian movement and includes the International Committee of the Red Cross and national Red Cross and Red Crescent movements. The organisation provides aid to people facing conflict, financial crisis or who need emotional support.
The Red Cross we know today was inspired by Swiss businessman Henry Dunant. In response to witnessing the level of human suffering during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, he developed a national society to provide impartial support to people affected by the conflict.
In response, a committee was established in Geneva along with an international agreement, known as the Geneva Convention, that sets out a series of treaties on the treatment of civilians, prisoners of war, and soldiers who are incapable of fighting during war.
The British Red Cross came about in 1870 when war broke out between France and Prussia, and Colonel Loyd-Lindsay called for a national society to be formed in Britain. Based on the Geneva Convention, a resolution was passed to treat wounded soldiers during times of war, and local branches were founded to extend aid to communities across the country.
What the British Red Cross does today
Loneliness
The Red Cross provided a lifeline to people affected by the pandemic. This included emotional support and resources for people who were lonely, isolated or bereaved. The society also co-chairs The Loneliness Action Group, a network of around 50 organisations dedicated to fighting loneliness.
Mobility
The organisation runs a mobility aid service, which loans out equipment such as wheelchairs for short- and long-term use.
Refugee services
The Red Cross provides emergency support for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking. This includes helping refugees settle into the community, as well as practical support for young people displaced by conflict.
Financial support
The organisation provides expert advice to people facing financial hardship. It also offers direct and immediate financial support to those injured or bereaved by terrorist incidents overseas.
Missing family
The Red Cross runs an international family tracing service to reunite families separated by conflict.
How you can help
Red Cross Week aims to encourage people to raise money and awareness for the movement, often by holding their own fundraiser – the more creative the better!
These events bring communities together and help people feel more connected and united, particularly during times of crisis and hardship.
For example, you could:
- hold a bake sale
- have a crafting event
- do a sponsored walk or run
- run a car wash service.
The organisation also hosts its own events including open gardens and antiques valuations, which provide the public a fun opportunity to donate to help fund its services. Click here for more information.
Like some services performed by Red Cross volunteers, our homecare service can help those isolated and vulnerable in the community.
If you need support, companionship or respite care, give us a call on 01254 504905 and let us know how we can help.