Volunteers banish fear after hostel fire

Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) volunteers reacted rapidly when a hostel for homeless people in Peterborough was hit by an arson attack.
The attack on the Hope hostel – which offers accommodation to single parents, asylum seekers and vulnerable young people – occurred in the middle of the night. The fire spread so quickly that terrified residents were forced to throw their mattresses from their windows and jump after them.
The Red Cross volunteers arrived in the FESS vehicle to find over 30 people, including young children, mostly wearing just nightclothes. They got to work immediately, giving out clothing, blankets and toilet packs and providing hot drinks and food to comfort the residents.
Peter, who led the Red Cross team, said: “The residents were distressed and frightened when we arrived, so it was a question of helping them as quickly as possible. One young woman with a tiny baby was particularly upset until we managed to comfort her.”
Finally, the volunteers transported 20 people to the housing department where arrangements were made to have them rehoused.
As Peter said: “This was a particularly vulnerable group, homeless and with little money. It meant so much to know that the Red Cross were there for them, to look after them and keep them safe.”

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A second chance for Douglas

Douglas felt as if he was on a downward spiral, drinking heavily and neglecting both his health and his home, until finally he collapsed and had to be rushed into hospital.
Douglas recovered, but his doctors were concerned that when he went back home, he would continue to struggle as before. To give him the personal support he needed, they referred him to the British Red Cross – and from then on his situation improved leaps and bounds.
Our volunteer Sarah helped Douglas move from the dilapidated house where he lived to a one-bedroom bungalow that was much better suited to a man in poor health. She also helped him apply for a community care grant and an attendance allowance so he could afford to furnish his home and look after himself.
But it’s the change in Douglas himself that has made the biggest difference. Sarah’s support and friendship has helped him recover his old self-respect. He cleans his own home regularly, he takes a pride in his appearance and he eats regular meals. Crucially, he is now able to control his drinking.
He says: “I’ve been given a second chance in life. If anyone is in the same position as me, I would tell them not to be stubborn and let the British Red Cross help.”

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