We can today reveal MEDSERVE Wales as our new charity partner for 2021!

We received many fantastic applications from air ambulance services to search and rescue teams, community first responders and specialized response teams, and many more. The impact of the COVID pandemic was evident, having put pressure on resources and funding for all the applicants who have nonetheless adapted admirably and continued to operate. The resilience of these charities to continue helping the British public when we needed it most really struck us, and we would like to take a moment to thank each and every charity both for entering and for their efforts in 2020.

Our director, Samantha Proctor, explains a bit more about why MEDSERVE Wales were chosen as the overall winner.

“MEDSERVE Wales are a highly valued resource for South Wales, with volunteer immediate care practitioners working incredibly hard in support of the ambulance service who we know have been pushed to their absolute limit over the last 12 months.

The nominations highlighted the fact that many of the bags the team are currently using are old and therefore hard to keep clean. This poses an additional danger to the team who are already at risk coming into close contact with the public in their primary NHS jobs as well as volunteering for the service. As such, we felt that they will really benefit from the prize to equip new solo responders as the service grows, and ensure all staff have access to equipment that is better suited to their needs.”

Medserve Wales will now receive up to £1,500 worth of new bags from us, bespoke to their needs, as well as continued support of their work and brand awareness for the coming year.

Mr Chris Williams, MEDSERVE Wales solo responder had this to say: “Even with the utmost care, our equipment has a hard life in the prehospital environment. With the backing of Openhouse we are able to have durable equipment bags to protect our valuable lifesaving equipment.”

Dr Matt Creed, MEDSERVE Wales Treasurer added: “We are so grateful to Openhouse for raising public awareness of MEDSERVE Wales. Their kind donation will ensure we can keep our vital equipment clean, safe and dry on deployments and we look forward to working with them to create a custom solution for our needs.”

You can learn more about MEDSERVE on their website, or follow them on Twitter @MEDSERVEWales using the hashtag #VolunteerMedics. Keep up with our activities over the coming year on our social media!