The honest answer is – far more than you think! The main requirement for membership is commitment as well as a willingness to learn and the ability to work as part of a close and supportive team. As volunteers, we all give as much time as we can afford. Work and family commitments vary from team member to team member, and sometimes change with time. Some team members are available during the working week, others only in the evenings or at weekend, while others work shift patterns. All we ask is that team members – and potential trainees – honestly assess the time they are prepared to commit, and continue to do so. From an operational point of view this is the key to knowing what resources we can offer the emergency services at any incident.
…..and it’s not just availability for incidents you need to consider. There’s the regular weekly training too, the events and the fund-raising. Oh, and the odd social evening as well.
Central Beacons currently trains every Thursday, one Sunday a month and as a Foundation Member you will be expected to attend a certain percentage of these events. As fundraising is critical, you will also be expected to attend a minimum number of fundraising events. You will quickly find that mountain rescue becomes part of your life – and your family’s!