Community volunteers who provide emergency support across Bassetlaw are better equipped to help residents thanks to a £750 Councillor Community Grant.
North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders has used the funding to purchase new uniforms and additional medical equipment for its volunteers, helping them continue supporting local people during medical emergencies.
Working alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, the team is often among the first medically trained people to arrive at an incident. Their volunteers provide immediate care and reassurance to patients and their families while further emergency support is on its way, particularly in rural communities across the district.
Graham Robinson, Chairman of North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders said: "As a charity run by local volunteers, the support we receive makes a real difference to the communities we serve.
“This funding helps us continue providing a vital service across North Nottinghamshire, giving residents the reassurance that help is available when it is needed most. We are incredibly grateful for this support and to everyone who continues to champion the work of Community First Responders."
North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders are a group of over 30 local volunteers recruited and trained by East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust to BTEC level 3 and 4 standards in the First Person On Scene qualification.
Cllr Alan Rhodes, Ward Member for Worksop North-East spoke on behalf of the Councillors who contributed funds to the First Responders and said: "I’m proud to support North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders alongside my fellow councillors.
“The dedication shown by their volunteers is truly remarkable, providing vital support and reassurance to people across our communities when they need it most. The service they provide makes a real difference to local residents, and we are delighted to contribute towards ensuring they can continue their important work. On behalf of all the councillors involved, I would like to thank every volunteer for their commitment to serving our communities."
The Councillors who contributed part of their Councillor Community Grant the North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders are: Cllr Tony Eaton and Cllr Julie Leigh, Ward Members for Worksop South; Cllr Maria Charlesworth, Ward Member for Worksop North; Cllr Alan Rhodes and Cllr Fraser Merryweather, Ward Members for Worksop North-East; Cllr Harriet Digby, Ward Member for East Retford West; Cllr Susan Shaw, Ward Member for East Retford East and Cllr Carolyn Troop, Ward Member for East Retford South.
North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders is always looking for new recruits to join its team. Volunteers receive training and play a vital role in helping patients by providing emergency care and support within their local communities.
To find out more about the First Responders, how to get involved and how to donate, visit: https://northnottscfr.co.uk
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to support community activities within their ward. Councillor grants may support projects related to sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and general community benefit.
Pictured: Cllr Alan Rhodes, Ward Member for Worksop North-East, Graham Robinson, Chairman of North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders
Last Updated on Wednesday, September 9, 2026