Charity Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the charity?
The charity has an official name and a working name. The official name is “South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust Fund”. This is the name we use for any official documentation or communications. For example, if an individual wishes to donate by cheque, this is the name that the cheque should be written out to.
The working name for the charity is “South Western Ambulance Charity”. This is the name we use on our marketing material and will be the name you will see used most often with regards to the charity.
It is common for charities to use working names instead of their official names. For example; “Comic Relief” is a working name for the charity “Charity Projects”.
What activities is the South Western Ambulance Charity currently supporting?
Our charitable programmes include:
Supporting our communities: We are supporting defibrillator placement, maintenance and training across the South West region. Increased public access to defibrillators results in the best possible chance of survival.
Supporting our volunteer heroes: Trained and governed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, the Community First Responders are called on any time, day or night, helping to reach those patients most in need across the 10,000 square miles the ambulance service serves. The South Western Ambulance Service Charity is supporting the provision of enhanced equipment over and above that provided by the NHS Trust.
Supporting those who care for others: The Staying Well Service provides our staff and volunteers with access to sources of help and support with their physical and mental health and well-being – just one call or email away. The importance of having a confidential lifeline for those people who are, by the very nature of the work they do, often exposed to traumatic and disturbing events, cannot be underestimated. The South Western Ambulance Charity is supporting enhancements and extensions to the Staying Well Service.
Is the South Western Ambulance Charity a registered charity?
Yes. The South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust Fund (known as 'South Western Ambulance Charity') is a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Our UK charity registration number is 1049230.
As a charity we must conform to charity law, particularly the Charities Act 2011, and adhere to the regulations set by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
As an NHS charity we must also comply with NHS charity legislation.
Are the Air Ambulances or the Ambulance Staff Benevolent Funds a part of the South Western Ambulance Service Charity?
No. The Air Ambulance charities and the Ambulance Staff Benevolent Funds are separate to the South Western Ambulance Charity, each with different objectives and each raising funds for different purposes.
Air Ambulance helicopters provide a rapid response to trauma and medical emergencies. The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust does work in partnership with local air ambulances by providing paramedic resources.
Regional Ambulance Staff Benevolent Funds support current and retired ambulance services personnel and their families in times of difficulty or urgent need.
If you have any further questions please do contact us via email to charity@swast.nhs.uk .