Voluntary organisations learn to help in emergencies

POLICE have held a seminar for voluntary organisations in the Lothians to find out more about how they can help during emergency situations such as severe weather.

Around 90 delegates attended the seminar yesterday to look at ways to maximise the benefits voluntary organisations can bring, as well as ways to develop them for the future.

The one-day event, organised by the Lothian and Borders Strategic Coordinating Group and funded by the Scottish Government, was aimed at building on existing relationships between the organisations and front-line emergency services.

Chief Constable David Strang, chairman of the Lothian and Borders Strategic Co-ordinating Group, said: "Last winter, during the severe weather, the voluntary organisations were invaluable in assisting the responding agencies in areas such as utilising 4x4 vehicles, contacting vulnerable people and caring for those worst affected."