Join the volunteer network supporting North Yorkshire communities
Businesses across North Yorkshire and York are being encouraged to join a growing network of volunteer organisations that can provide practical support when emergencies affect local communities.
The Ready For Anything Business initiative, run on behalf of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, is seeking businesses willing to offer assistance during incidents such as severe weather, flooding, power outages and other emergencies. Support is coordinated through the Local Resilience Forum, ensuring help is directed where it is needed most and works alongside the efforts of emergency services and response agencies.
Volunteer businesses could be called upon to provide a range of practical assistance during response and recovery efforts. This might include supporting affected businesses, providing refreshments at emergency rest centres, or offering resources and facilities to help local communities recover from an incident. Should an emergency happen, participating businesses can choose whether they are able to help. Any support provided is entirely voluntary, with no obligation to respond.
The scheme recognises the important role businesses can play in strengthening community resilience. By registering in advance, organisations can be quickly contacted and coordinated during an emergency, helping to deliver an effective response when time matters most. Importantly, there is no obligation for businesses to commit to every incident. When an emergency occurs, participants are notified and can decide whether they are able to help.
As well as supporting communities, the programme helps businesses improve their own preparedness. Participants are encouraged to develop business continuity plans, identify critical business activities and better understand the risks that could affect their operations. The aim is to help organisations recover more quickly from disruption while contributing to the wider resilience of North Yorkshire.
Businesses that join the scheme can also access training opportunities and take part in emergency exercises alongside emergency responders and local communities. These activities range from tabletop scenario discussions to live exercises designed to test plans and improve coordination before a real incident occurs. Training together helps ensure a more effective response when emergencies arise.
A spokesperson for the initiative said:
"Local businesses have a unique ability to support their communities when emergencies happen. Whether it's providing resources, facilities, expertise or practical assistance, their contribution can make a significant difference to those affected. By joining Ready For Anything, businesses can help strengthen North Yorkshire's emergency response while improving their own resilience and preparedness."
Businesses interested in becoming a Ready For Anything volunteer are encouraged to register via the online form: Register as a Ready For Anything volunteer business.
For more information about emergency preparedness and business resilience, visit Get Ready for an Emergency.
Businesses can also contact the team directly at readyforanything@northyorks.gov.uk with any questions about the scheme.
Alternatively, come and find out more at the Ready for Anything: Building a Resilient Business Community event, Wednesday 28 October, 10am – 2pm, at the Selby Civic Centre, Doncaster Road , Selby.
