Menu
As a volunteer-based organisation, there are no binding commitments, allowing members to contribute as much or as little time as they can afford. We operate on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year, and every deployment, no matter how infrequent, adds value to our efforts. There is no obligation for individual volunteers to individually respond to every callout, as our system relies on having a sufficient number of members available at any given time, accommodating individual life commitments.
Wessex 4×4 Response is comprised entirely of unpaid volunteers who generously offer their time and utilise their personal 4×4 vehicles to support emergency services, local authorities, and health services in weather or terrain conditions that challenge regular transportation capabilities, or when resources are depleted due to concurrent incidents.
Members receive free training on operational protocols and are eligible to claim fuel expenditure during deployments. We do ask for a small annual membership fee of £25 in the first year and £15 in subsequent years, which covers equipment issuance and administrative costs. Additionally, we organise a free social event for members during our AGM weekend.
There is no requirement for an extensively equipped vehicle to participate. Wessex 4×4 Response welcomes all types of all- wheel drive vehicles. Whether you have a competition-standard 4×4 with specialised features or a standard unmodified family 4×4 saloon car, every vehicle type has its role within the group. While some incidents may require specific capabilities, such as crossing ploughed fields, the majority of our callouts involve public roads. We have members with a diverse range of vehicles, including Land Rover Defenders, Porsche Cayenne, 6×6 Argocat, and even a member with access to a hovercraft. As long as a vehicle can safely navigate where regular two-wheel drive vehicles cannot, it is a valuable asset within our organisation.
Please kindly allow a minimum of two weeks for the processing of your application as we are all volunteers. In case you have not received a response within this timeframe, it is possible that an email may have been inadvertently caught in a spam filter.
We encourage you to reach out to us through the contact form or by sending a message via our Facebook page to inquire about the status of your application.
Do you want to volunteer with us? Follow the link below to fill out the application form.
Be part of a vital volunteer team:
As a member, you’ll join a dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about serving their community during times of emergency.
Make a positive impact:
You’ll have the opportunity to support local authorities, emergency services, SAR teams and other volunteer agencies. Whether it’s transporting essential personnel or delivering supplies, your efforts will make a real difference in people’s lives.
PPE and identification:
As a member, you’ll receive your PPE, ID cards, and stickers. These items signify your affiliation with our charity and enable you to carry out your duties with professionalism and confidence.
Flexibiliy that fits with your life:
We understand that everyone has different availability. As a volunteer, you can contribute as much or as little time as you can afford.
Learn new skills:
Develop your leadership, management, public speaking, and more!
Receive a range of discounts for your personnel use.
At Wessex 4×4 Response, we welcome individuals who are passionate about making a difference and supporting their communities. Whether you have a 4×4 vehicle or not, there are various roles you can undertake based on your skills, enthusiasm, and availability. We believe in embracing the diversity of our members and their unique contributions.
To join Wessex 4×4 Response in an active driving role, specific qualifications and criteria apply. These include:
Ownership of a full road-legal 4×4 vehicle.
Driving license requirements: We require members to have no more than 6 points on their driving license, held for a minimum of 3 years.
Undergo identity and DBS checks
Prior to operational deployment, training will be provided.
If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle or prefer not to participate in an active driving role, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved and contribute your skills. The possibilities are vast, and we are open to members utilising their expertise and interests in various ways. Whether it’s deployment control, administrative support, fundraising, event coordination, communications, or community outreach, your contributions can significantly impact.
For these roles all members need to:
Undergo identity and DBS checks
Prior to operational deployment, training will be provided.