đ„°Looking after those who look after others â€ïžâđ©č
We take the mental health of our volunteers very seriously. As part of our ongoing wellbeing strategy, we have Mental Health First Aiders embedded within Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue â supporting our people as they support others.
At the weekend, a couple of our members undertook Mental Health First Aid training, further strengthening our ability to look after our own team. Our volunteers can be exposed to harrowing and emotionally challenging situations while searching for and rescuing people across our area.
This training equips them with the skills to support colleagues and recognise early warning signs, helping to ensure no one faces these challenges alone.
Because caring for our team is just as important as caring for those we search for.
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Posted on 21 / 01 / 2026
Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue: The BIG Fundraiser
Fri 3 Oct 2025 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Yeo Valley Canteen, BS40 7YE
An Evening to Support Local Heroes
Join us at the stunning Yeo Valley Canteen for a relaxed and inspiring evening in support of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue. With great food, live entertainment, and a few surprises in store, this is a night not to be missed hosted by our special guest……
Dr. Phil Hammond – British physician, broadcaster, comedian and commentator.
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
What to Expect
- Delicious organic, seasonal supper
- Live music and entertainment
- Talks from our volunteer rescuers
- Dramatic rescue demonstrations
- Exciting raffle prizes
Why It Matters
This year marks our 50th anniversary – half a century of saving lives in remote and challenging environments. Weâre currently raising funds to replace our ageing Incident Control vehicle, a vital hub for coordinating search and rescue operations. Your support helps keep our team equipped and ready to respond, day or night.
Whether you’re a supporter, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a great night out with purpose, this evening is for you. Come along, bring friends, and enjoy a warm, welcoming night in aid of a fantastic cause.
Letâs celebrate 50 years of service – and help power the next 50.
Where? Yeo Valley Canteen, BS40 7YE
When? Friday 3 October 2025 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dress Code? Smart Evening Attire
Posted on 14 / 07 / 2025
Seven new “Full” members join the team.
A huge well done to 7 of our dedicated trainees who were officially made up to full team members during Sundayâs training!
After an intense and challenging 12 months of trainingâfrom rescue scenarios to real calloutsâtheyâve shown true commitment, resilience, and a good dose of the madness it takes to be part of this team!
Welcome aboard â weâre proud to have you (officially) join the crew!
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Posted on 07 / 07 / 2025
Weekend Adventure on the Mendips!
Last weekend, Avon & Somerset Search & Rescue were proud to support the Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend (6â8 June), based around the dramatic landscapes of Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills.
This yearâs festival was jam-packed with trail running, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Challenging trail runs â options ranging from a tough marathon and halfâmarathon, down to 10 km, 6 km, and 3 km distances â all winding through jawâdropping gorge scenery.
Mendip Murmuration MTB ride â a 26â35 mile offâroad mountain biking sportive over flowing singletrack, limestone rock gardens, and hilly trails across Cheddar Gorge, Crook Peak, Black Down and more.
Lakes & Lumps road ride â a 43âmile challenge with 850 m of climbing through lakes and rolling hills of the Mendips.
There were also walking options, family-friendly activities, rangersâ talks, VR tours, campsite fun, and fundraising challenges for gorge conservation.
Our team were on the ground across the weekend to:
Monitor trail runners and bikers, especially on remote, muddy, or steep stretches. Provide assistance and support the event medical staff where needed, ensuring everyone stayed safe and supported.Coordinate with event organisers and marshals for smooth communications in case of incidents.
A massive thank you to our volunteers who gave up their weekend to support the event â and to everyone who took part in this vibrant outdoor celebration. Looking forward to next year already!
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Mountain Rescue England and Wales
SWERA – South West England Rescue Association
Mendip Hills National Landscape
Somerset Outdoor – National Trust
Posted on 11 / 06 / 2025
A BIG success for our new RRMTâs
Congratulations to Our New Remote Rescue Medical Technicians!
Over the past two weekends, weâre thrilled to celebrate:
â Gracie, Jamie & Judith â successfully completing their Remote Rescue Medical Technician (RRMT) course for the first time
â Alex, Gareth & Mike â reâqualifying as RRMTs
A huge thank you to Severn Area Rescue Association for coâhosting the training, and to all the dedicated faculty who volunteered their time and expertise!
What is an RRMT?
Formerly known as âCasualty Care,â our RRMTs are trained to a level comparable with Ambulance Techniciansâplus specialist skills tailored to mountain and remote environments. They can:
Perform advanced resuscitation (bagâvalve masks, simple airways)
Conduct rapid AâtoâE assessments in both medical and trauma scenarios
Deliver lifeâsaving interventions (chest seals, tourniquets)
Administer medications for pain, nausea, respiratory issues, seizures, hypoglycaemia, asthma, and more
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Posted on 08 / 06 / 2025