Volunteers have given more than 3,200 hours of their time to support Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity so far this year, with the charity now calling for more people to join its growing team.
New figures show volunteers contributed 3,219 hours between 1st January and 8th September 2026 – a 31% increase compared with the same period last year.
The charity said volunteers support its work in a variety of ways, including attending community events, delivering talks, collecting donation tins and helping at its charity shop in Devizes.
They also help out with the charity's mascots, Wilber the paramedic bear and Marsha the pilot bear.
Since January, the charity has welcomed 30 new volunteers, while its volunteer retention rate currently stands at 95%.
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 attended new events across the county this year, giving volunteers a wider choice of opportunities while continuing to support popular annual events and maintain relationships with long-standing supporters.
It is now particularly looking for new volunteers in Bath, Salisbury and Swindon, although there are opportunities across Wiltshire and Bath.
There is no minimum time commitment, with prospective volunteers able 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, talk to visitors, sell merchandise and take part in bucket collections.
Those who enjoy meeting and speaking to people can also deliver talks to businesses, groups, clubs and societies across Wiltshire and Bath, either in person or virtually.
Other roles include visiting businesses and community groups to collect fundraising cheques, helping with administration, 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 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.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more at wiltshirebathairambulance.org.uk.
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