AACE is pleased to announce the publication of two significant milestones in the ongoing development of ambulance volunteering across the UK.
The first is the launch of Phase 3 of the National Volunteering Strategy, which asks a bold but essential question: What will our communities, patients and services need from ambulance volunteering by 2030?
This next phase will sharpen national collaboration around harnessing the unique power of volunteers to reduce health inequalities and support the shift toward neighbourhood‑based care.
It will also strengthen community resilience, expand “volunteer‑to‑career” pathways, and help services grow a more data‑informed, future‑ready volunteering offer.
The second milestone is the publication of new national guidance to support the recruitment and engagement of young volunteers.
Young people bring energy, curiosity and a strong sense of purpose to ambulance services, yet historically they have been under‑represented in volunteering roles. This guidance gives trusts practical steps to attract, support and retain young people, ensuring they feel welcomed, valued and able to make a meaningful contribution.
Joe Crook, National Volunteer Lead at AACE, said:
These milestones reflect our commitment to building a volunteering culture that is inclusive, forward‑looking and rooted in the needs of our communities. Volunteers have always been at the heart of ambulance services, and these developments ensure they will continue to shape our future.
Together, these publications mark an important step toward a more resilient and community‑connected ambulance service for the years to come.
For more information, please contact Joe Crook at joe.crook@aace.org.uk
