A VOLUNTEER who helps people cope when their homes are wrecked by fire or flood is urging others to become part of the British Red Cross.

Juliana Ali, 31, who runs The Jewel In The Crown, in Victoria Road, has seen her life transformed after joining the FESS (Fire Emergency Support Service) team of the Red Cross.

The Swindon-based team travels to help people in crisis across the whole of Wiltshire.

Now she’s keen to let people know the benefits of volunteering and often working alongside fire crews.

“You make such a difference as a volunteer for FESS because even making a cup of tea, or giving a hug to someone in crisis, can make the world of difference to them,” she said.

“To be able to be with that person and support them is so valuable, it warms the soul.”

Juliana is now doing a six-month internship in London with the BRC to train to provide emergency support and aid in international disasters.

“Volunteering has opened so many doors for me,” she said.

“I’m also going to be going to the Olympics to provide logistic support – an opportunity that I cannot believe has come along.”

FESS provide a 24/7 support service for the British Red Cross in the county. Volunteers are called via a pager and attend incidents to help deliver basic needs in the hours following a fire or flood. There is no age limit.

For further information call 0773 611417.