Join Us for Emergency Response Support Volunteering with the British Red Cross
UCL students will support the British Red Cross Crisis Response team by helping to restock, organise, and prepare emergency equipment used across London. Volunteers will work together to label new camp beds, sort clothing and hygiene packs, restock vehicles, and help organise the organisation’s emergency stores. This practical, team-based activity plays a vital role in ensuring the Red Cross is ready to respond quickly when emergencies happen.
The British Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation supporting people in crisis across the UK and internationally. Their Crisis Response teams work 24/7 to support individuals and communities affected by emergencies, including setting up rest centres, providing essential equipment, and offering psychosocial support.
🧤 What’s a Big Help Out?
Big Help Outs are fun one-off volunteering opportunities that involve a big group. It’s all about small actions creating big change when we work together. At our events, you’ll always find friendly student and staff faces to make sure you feel welcome and supported.
💡 Why Join In?
You’ll directly support emergency preparedness across London, helping the British Red Cross respond effectively when people need help most. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into humanitarian response work while making a meaningful, practical contribution.
To support your involvement, travel expenses will be reimbursed, and lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day.
📍 Meet-Up Point
To make it easier to get involved, you can travel to the event with a member of our team. This is a great way to meet fellow volunteers, make new friends, and arrive together.
Meet Point: Bloomsbury Theatre Building at 9:30am
Please note: We will leave the Meet Point at 9:40, so please arrive promptly. If you do not wish to meet with the group, you can meet us directly at the location.
By signing up, you’ve claimed a limited ticket. This ticket does not confirm your spot as we will send you an email closer to the date to let you know if you have been selected, as there are only a limited number of spots available.
👥 What to Expect
- Sort & Prepare Supplies: Label new camp beds and organise clothing and hygiene packs.
- Stock Emergency Vehicles: Help restock vehicles used by the Crisis Response team.
- Behind-the-Scenes Impact: Support the preparation of resources used in emergencies across London.
Some tasks will involve light manual handling, such as moving boxes and camp beds. Full guidance on safe lifting techniques will be provided on the day.
👕 What to Wear
Please wear comfortable clothing that may get a little dirty, along with comfortable shoes suitable for standing and light movement. British Red Cross T-shirts will be provided on the day.
Please note: The British Red Cross will require volunteer names by 6 February 2026 to enable building access.
Want to explore more Big Help Out opportunities? Check out our Big Help Out Landing Page
Join our WhatsApp Announcement Community and get updates straight to your phone!
Note: If you join the announcement community your phone number will remain anonymous and it is not required for major updates on events. If you choose to join any Group Chats within the community, your phone number will be visible to other members.
All activities take place on one site and the venue is wheelchair accessible. The British Red Cross is able to support students with disabilities, with volunteers available on the day to provide assistance where needed. Please share any access requirements in advance so appropriate support can be arranged.