WE ARE NOW RECRUITING FOR FUNDRAISING TEAM MEMBERS
Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue Team is a charity financed totally by donations, sponsorship and fundraising events. We need to raise in excess of £45,000 a year to keep the team operational.
We need you!
- Do you want to be involved in supporting a fantastic Mountain Rescue Team?
- Do you enjoy meeting new people?
- Are you friendly and approachable?
- Do you have good interpersonal and teamwork skills?
- Could you spend hours in a muddy field, sometimes in the rain, with a collecting bucket and still
- have a smile on your face at the end of the day?
- Are you 18 or over?
- Do you live in our operational area (Avon & Somerset)
- Do you have access to your own transport?
If the answer is YES to these questions, please read on.
We would like to recruit some additional committed and reliable volunteers to become part of our Fundraising Team.
Fundraising is incredibly important to Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue Team, and it is a great way to get involved and support a good cause. As a Fundraising Team member, you will become part of an established and well-respected team and have opportunities to meet new people, visit new places and learn different skills. Being part of our team can also give you a sense of self-worth, achievement and a warm and fuzzy feeling.
The Fundraising Team is involved in
- Setting up and staffing our charity merchandise stall at fundraising events, fetes and shows.
- Collecting donations at events, in the street and in supermarkets.
- Organising fundraising events and collections.
- Representing the Team at community events.
- Raising awareness of the Team at PR events.
- Helping to deliver talks to community groups and schools.
The events take place mainly at weekends and can involve long hours in all types of weather.
No previous experience in fundraising is necessary.
This is a voluntary, non-operational role; joining as an associate member, you will not be on call or expected to go out in the middle of the night. We have a team of Search & Rescue members who do all that.
If you are interested
Please complete this registration form.
https://forms.gle/j2pgkTE2XjmmUqLV8
Please remember that we are all volunteers so it might take a day or two to reply.
We will then invite you to an ‘Open Event & Interview’. You will be able to meet some of our team members, find out more about activities that you can get involved in. Followed by a short interview.
Successful candidates will then be invited formally to join.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Posted on 19 / 02 / 2026
🥰Looking after those who look after others ❤️🩹
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 — 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. We’re 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.
Let’s 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 Sunday’s training!
After an intense and challenging 12 months of training—from rescue scenarios to real callouts—they’ve shown true commitment, resilience, and a good dose of the madness it takes to be part of this team!
Welcome aboard – we’re 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 (6–8 June), based around the dramatic landscapes of Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills.
This year’s festival was jam-packed with trail running, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Challenging trail runs — options ranging from a tough marathon and half‐marathon, down to 10 km, 6 km, and 3 km distances – all winding through jaw‑dropping gorge scenery.
Mendip Murmuration MTB ride — a 26–35 mile off‑road 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 — a 43‑mile challenge with 850 m of climbing through lakes and rolling hills of the Mendips.
There were also walking options, family-friendly activities, rangers’ 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 – 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