Flanders will invest €1 million to establish volunteer groups to support professional first responders, according to Flemish Minister of Interior and Community Affairs Hilde Crevits (CD&V) on Monday.
Since late May, 34 municipalities have registered to set up these volunteer groups, which will officially launch in September.
The aim is to mobilise people quickly and support professional first responders with administrative or logistical tasks during local emergencies or crisis situations. "Whether it’s floods, heatwaves, or power failures in care homes, there are always citizens willing to help. We want to encourage such voluntary assistance and make it scalable for major crises," said Crevits.
Every participant will receive basic first aid training provided by the Red Cross Flanders, although local training can also be organised by the Flemish Cross. Additional training or refreshers, in coordination with local authorities and emergency organisations, are also possible. To prepare volunteers for emergencies, simulation exercises will be held annually.
From September, citizens can register via a crisis tool developed by the Red Cross Flanders, which ensures insurance cover during interventions. Municipalities can use the app to issue calls for help, summoning volunteers from their local corps in emergencies or crises.
Even those not formally trained as part of the volunteer corps can sign up for specific emergencies through the crisis tool and will be insured.
