Volunteers give more than 3,200 hours to Wiltshire and Bath air ambulance charity
Bath is among the areas most in need of new recruits as charity volunteer hours climb
Volunteers have given more than 3,200 hours of their time to Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity so far this year, a rise of 31% compared with the same period last year.
The Charity is now calling for more people across Wiltshire and Bath to join its volunteer team, with a particular need for helpers in Bath, Salisbury and Swindon.
Volunteer hours rise by nearly a third
Figures show volunteers contributed 3,219 hours to the Charity between 1st January and 8th September 2026.
This is an increase of 31% on the same period the previous year.
Volunteers give their time in a variety of ways, including attending events, delivering talks, supporting the Charity Shop in Devizes, collecting donation tins and helping the Charity's mascots, Wilber the paramedic bear and Marsha the pilot bear.
Since January, the Charity has welcomed 30 new volunteers, and its volunteer retention rate currently stands at 95%.
"Extraordinary commitment"
Sam Conway, community team leader at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, said:
"Our volunteers continue to show extraordinary commitment and adaptability.
"Their contribution is not only measured in hours, but in the impact they make every single day.
"By giving their time, skills and enthusiasm, our volunteers help us reach more people across Wiltshire and Bath, strengthen relationships with our supporters and ultimately help keep our lifesaving service flying.
"We're incredibly grateful to every person who volunteers with us, whether they give us a few hours or regularly support events and activities throughout the year."
The Charity's community team has focused on attending new events across the county this year, giving volunteers a wider choice of opportunities while continuing to attend established annual events and maintain relationships with long-standing supporters.
New volunteers wanted in Bath, Salisbury and Swindon
The Charity says there are many ways to get involved and no minimum time commitment is required to become a volunteer.
Everyone who applies will have the chance to speak to the Charity's team about the roles available and find an opportunity that suits them.
Volunteers can represent the Charity at events, speak with visitors, sell merchandise and take part in bucket collections.
People who enjoy meeting others can deliver talks to businesses, groups, clubs and societies across Wiltshire and Bath, either in person or virtually.
Other opportunities include visiting businesses and community groups to collect fundraising cheques, helping with administration and gardening at the airbase, and driving across Wiltshire and Bath to collect and replace donation tins.
Volunteers can also support the daily running of the Charity Shop in Devizes, helping customers and taking payments on the shop floor or preparing donated stock behind the scenes.
"Something for everyone"
Sam Conway added:
"There really is something for everyone.
"You might love meeting new people, enjoy gardening at our airbase, tell the story of our Charity or help at an event in the community.
"However you choose to get involved, the time you give makes a difference.
"You'll be joining a fantastic community of people who are helping to keep us flying and saving lives."
Anyone wanting to find out more about volunteering with Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity can visit wiltshirebathairambulance.org.uk.