Volunteering With Us

We could not achieve what we do without our volunteers

Without the tireless and dedicated work that our volunteers put into events, talks, presentations and many other areas of the charity’s work, we could not achieve what we do.

We welcome all offers of help, whether a large commitment of time, or a few hours every so often. We want our volunteers to feel that the time they spend with the charity is valued, and that they too gain something from it.

Our Roles

Volunteers are the backbone of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and we are constantly looking for people to join the team and help spread the word about our life-saving work. If you are friendly, positive, passionate and enthusiastic and have some time to spare, we would like to hear from you.

Whatever your special talents or interests, we should be able to utilise them to find something you will enjoy and that will be beneficial to the charity. Below are some suggestions of possible roles you might enjoy.

Current Volunteering Roles

  • What will I be doing?

    • Attending a variety of events including community and corporate events, as well as festivals.
    • Collecting donations in collection buckets
    • Acting as an information source for members of the public; answering questions and promoting the work of HIOWAA.
    • Assisting with setting up and setting down the event.
    • Engaging with members of the public.
    • Helping to recruit other members of the public to join the HIOWAA volunteer team.

    What skills do I need?

    You need to be a friendly, outgoing person with a confident and approachable manner, along with good communication skills.

    How much time will I need to commit?

    At Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, we ask volunteers to attend at least five commitments a year. The choice of which commitments to attend is entirely up to each volunteer. All upcoming opportunities are listed on an app that we ask volunteers to download, allowing them to choose the events that best fit their interests and schedules. Volunteering with us is truly a volunteer-led experience, offering flexibility and choice.

    What about support and development?

    You will be given full training to assist with events, along with regular updates about the charity. You will also be given access to a training programme which will involve various training events throughout the year.

    You will have the chance to gain and develop new skills as well as to develop existing skills and a full reference will be provided upon request. You will also have the opportunity to meet new people and make some great friends along the way.

  • Would you like to support your Air Ambulance and help to keep critical care in the air, but don’t feel that you can donate time on a regular basis? Are you able to donate a day, or a few hours, occasionally, or even just as a one off?

    As HIOWAA’s fundraising changes, we are organising more ‘mass participation’ events, all of which need people-power support to run. We are  looking for people who can come and help us out at these events and this is where you come in!

    What skills do I need?

    You need to be friendly, enthusiastic and have great communication skills.

    What kind of thing will I be doing?

    • Car Parking Assistance
    • Event Marshalls
    • Clear Up
    • Cheering
    • Food / drink stations

    Other information

    You will get a full briefing on your role at the event, as well as plenty of information in the lead up to the event. You will also get a t-shirt to wear at the event which we are happy for you to keep.

  • Our CPR: Skills for Life campaign aims to equip the public with the confidence to perform Basic Life Support (BLS), including administering CPR and using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

    By joining our volunteer team, you’ll help empower individuals to act confidently in emergency situations.

    What kind of thing will I be doing?

    You could be:

    • Visiting community groups to train the public on Basic Life Support (BLS)
    • Delivering presentations on behalf of HIOWAA, followed by BLS training
    • Assisting with, or leading, training sessions for our corporate supporters

    Your role will include:

    • Delivering a 20-minute presentation on HIOWAA, the importance of BLS, and the science behind CPR and AED use, supported by videos
    • Providing practical demonstrations of CPR and AED connection
    • Managing hands-on sessions and advising on technique
    • Answering questions about CPR, AEDs, and the charity

    What skills do I need?

    • Comfortable speaking to diverse groups
    • Strong communication skills
    • Confident using PowerPoint
    • Able to travel with training aids (manikin and AED), ideally with access to your own car
    • Friendly, encouraging, and approachable
    • Confident answering questions and offering guidance on CPR/AED techniques
    • Willing to discuss other aspects of the charity

    Training provided: Our Engagement Team will provide comprehensive training, and you’ll have the chance to observe a live demonstration before leading sessions.

Help us promote the charity in the community by running one of our merchandise stands.

Visit groups, clubs and schools in the community to introduce them to the charity.

Assist us at our fundraising events to help ensure the events run smoothly.

Volunteer van drivers donate their time every week to help us visit local businesses, groups, clubs and schools.

Visit the airbase, see the aircraft and learn about the daily tasks the Critical Care Team do and the emergencies they respond to.

I feel proud when I am out and someone recognises the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance badge on my fleece. It also makes me feel as though I really am helping people when asked what I do for the charity and I just say ‘I help to save lives’.

John, Southampton

Volunteering FAQ’s

  • You need to be 18 to volunteer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. However, there is no upper limit. We have volunteers aged from 18 right up to 92!

  • Upon applying to become a regular volunteer we ask you to provide two references who have known you for 3 years or longer; are not a family member and are not involved with HIOWAA. Your referees can be social references or employment references, the choice is yours.

    We ask for references so that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance can undertake its due diligence to protect the charity and its volunteers. Providing references also helps the charity to make the best use of your skill set so that you can get the best experience from your volunteering role.

  • Yes we do! We have roles suitable for neurodivergent and physically disabled supporters. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are fully inclusive and is understanding of any disability. For example, we have volunteers who bring their support workers along to help at events. We always consider the needs of our volunteers and we are confident we can find a role to suit you.

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Apply:

If you have any questions about volunteering, or would like to apply, please email [email protected].