Volunteers’ Week: Celebrating the People Behind REACT’s Response

Whether responding to emergencies in the UK, supporting humanitarian operations overseas, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

In the coming weeks, REACT volunteer Responders will once again support communities in Ukraine through specialist incident management training delivered in partnership with local organisations. For security reasons, we cannot disclose specific locations or dates, but the deployment forms part of REACT’s ongoing commitment to supporting civilians living and working in areas affected by the conflict. While much of the focus naturally falls on those delivering training on the ground, every deployment relies on a wider team of volunteers working around the clock to keep responders safe and supported.

The Volunteers Behind the Deployment
One of those volunteers is Mike Eaton, who will be serving as a Watchkeeper during the deployment. Watchkeepers provide 24/7 operational support throughout REACT’s humanitarian missions, monitoring developing situations, coordinating logistics, maintaining communications and overseeing responder safety from a remote location.

"Watchkeepers at REACT serve as the 24/7 backbone of all our humanitarian deployments, especially in challenging environments," explains Mike. "Operating in the background, we monitor unfolding crises, coordinate logistics and ensure remote safety so that field responders can focus entirely on helping vulnerable communities. "Having deployed myself, I know full well how important this role is and the support it gives to those on the ground, not just passively monitoring. but actively checking on the teams 24/7. From the moment the team leave HQ to when they get back to their home front doors afterwards"

Alongside the operational support provided by Watchkeepers, REACT also embeds trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) into every deployment. Bruce Boxall-Hunt will be one of those providing that support during the Ukraine operation.

"REACT integrates trained Mental Health First Aiders into every deployment to support volunteers and affected communities," says Bruce. "Humanitarian work can expose people to challenging situations and emotional pressures. Our role is to provide continuous peer support, honest debriefs and a safe space for people to talk about their experiences."

For deployments in conflict-affected areas, this support can be especially important. "In a conflict zone like Ukraine, where the threat of missile or drone attacks is never far away, the mental impact can be significant. Knowing support is available at any time can make a real difference. "The goal is not to 'fix' trauma, but to validate the very real emotional responses of victims and fellow responders operating in high-risk environments."

"REACT integrates trained Mental Health First Aiders into every deployment to support volunteers and affected communities," says Bruce. "Humanitarian work can expose people to challenging situations and emotional pressures. Our role is to provide continuous peer support, honest debriefs and a safe space for people to talk about their experiences."

For deployments in conflict-affected areas, this support can be especially important. "In a conflict zone like Ukraine, where the threat of missile or drone attacks is never far away, the mental impact can be significant. Knowing support is available at any time can make a real difference.

"The goal is not to 'fix' trauma, but to validate the very real emotional responses of victims and fellow responders operating in high-risk environments."

More Than a Role
Volunteering at REACT takes many forms. Some volunteers deploy to disaster-affected areas. Others provide specialist expertise in logistics, operations, welfare, communications, fundraising, governance or training. Together, they enable REACT to respond rapidly and effectively when communities need support most.

As Director of People and Resources, Jane Pound, explains: "This Volunteers’ Week, I'm saying a special thank you to all the incredible REACT Responders who volunteer their time and support to disaster-affected communities in the UK and internationally. Our volunteers are the magic sauce that makes REACT so special." Thank You

To every volunteer who gives their time, skills and expertise to support REACT's mission: thank you.

Your commitment, professionalism and compassion help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from crisis. Whether you're supporting operations from behind a screen, providing welfare support, delivering training or deploying to the front line, your contribution makes a difference every single day.

About REACT's Ukraine Appeal
Through its Ukraine Appeal, REACT Disaster Response provides lifesaving training and support to communities affected by the ongoing conflict. Working alongside local partners, REACT Responders deliver practical training in trauma first aid, catastrophic bleed control, casualty care and personal safety in conflict environments. Donations to the appeal help ensure this vital humanitarian support can continue reaching those who need it most.

Support the appeal: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/frontline-ukraine 

We are grateful to the partners whose ongoing support helps enable REACT’s international humanitarian work. Supported by The City of London Corporation’s International Disaster Fund.
https://www.cityoflondon.gov.u...