Volunteers give more than 3,200 hours to support local air ambulance charity

Volunteer hours at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity have risen by 31% year on year from January to September, as the Charity calls for more people across Wiltshire and Bath to join its growing volunteer team.

Recent data has revealed that volunteers have contributed an incredible 3,219 hours to Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity between 1 January and 8 September 2026. This represents an increase of 31% for the same period year-on-year.

The increase reflects the dedication of volunteers who give their time in different ways, from attending events and delivering talks to supporting the Charity Shop in Devizes, collecting donation tins and helping our much-loved mascots Wilber, the paramedic bear, and Marsha, the pilot bear.

Since January, the Charity has also welcomed 30 new volunteers, and its volunteer retention rate currently stands at 95%. This achievement shows the community atmosphere of the team, both amongst volunteers and as a core part of the Charity’s work.

Sam Conway, community team leader at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Our volunteers continue to show extraordinary commitment and adaptability.

“Their contribution is not only measured in hours, but in the impact they make every single day.

“By giving their time, skills and enthusiasm, our volunteers help us reach more people across Wiltshire and Bath, strengthen relationships with our supporters and ultimately help keep our lifesaving service flying.

“We’re incredibly grateful to every person who volunteers with us, whether they give us a few hours or regularly support events and activities throughout the year.”

The Charity’s community team has focused on attending new events across the county this year, offering volunteers a more varied choice of opportunities while continuing to attend popular annual events and strengthen connections with long-standing supporters.

Now, the Charity is looking for even more people to get involved, with a particular need for new volunteers in Bath, Salisbury and Swindon.

There are plenty of ways to help, and there is no minimum time commitment to become a volunteer. Everyone who applies will have the opportunity to speak to the Charity team about the different roles available and find an opportunity that suits them.

Volunteers can represent the Charity at events, engage with visitors, sell merchandise and take part in bucket collections.

Those who enjoy meeting and speaking to people can deliver talks to businesses, groups, clubs and societies across Wiltshire and Bath, either in person or virtually. 

Other opportunities include visiting businesses and community groups to collect fundraising cheques, supporting with administration and gardening at the airbase, and driving across Wiltshire and Bath to collect and replace donation tins.

Volunteers can also support the daily running of the Charity Shop in Devizes, helping customers and taking payments on the shop floor or preparing donated stock behind the scenes.

Sam added: “There really is something for everyone. You might love meeting new people, enjoy gardening at our airbase, tell the story of our Charity or help at an event in the community.

“However you choose to get involved, the time you give makes a difference. You’ll be joining a fantastic community of people who are helping to keep us flying and saving lives.”

To find out more about volunteering with Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, visit wiltshirebathairambulance.org.uk