Devon Faiths Training for Major Incidents

More than 70 volunteers from seven different churches and six other faith and belief traditions have now been trained to be able to respond in the event of a major emergency in Devon, Plymouth or Torbay.

The Devon Faiths Response Team (DFRT) recently held a further training workshop at County Hall, Exeter at which participants heard from South Devon Coroner Ian Arrow and trauma specialist Liz Deane. Other speakers provided contributions from the Hindu, Jewish, Pagan, Muslim and Christian perspectives.

If a serious accident, natural disaster or attack were to happen in Devon, the members of the DFRT would work alongside the emergency services and other agencies to provide support for victims and their families and loved ones.

The DFRT continues to look for new volunteers and welcomes enquiries from interested people who are members of local churches and other faith communities.

Martyn Goss, Director of Church & Society, said: “We face unknown crises in the future which might entail serious loss of life and damage to property and the environment. It is essential that members of Devon’s faith communities are equipped to respond to such events. This is all about preparing now for eventualities and emergencies to come.”

A further training day for new recruits will take place this autumn and those interested are asked to contact Catherine Renouf at the Salvation Army for details Catherine.Renouf@salvationarmy.org.uk or 01392-822118.