Being prepared. Staying connected. Helping one another when things go wrong.

Help us build the Network

Following a successful first meeting on 16 October 2026, we are taking the next steps towards establishing a Resilience Network.

The meeting brought together local residents and organisations to explore how our communities could be better prepared for emergencies, and how we could support one another when things go wrong.

We are now looking for volunteers to help develop the Network and turn these ideas into practical arrangements.

Would you like to get involved?

Whether you have particular skills to offer, represent a local organisation, or simply want to help your neighbourhood, we'd love to hear from you. You don't need any previous emergency-response experience, and you don't need to have attended the first meeting.

Tell us how you would like to get involved – complete our online form

What is the Urban Exe Resilience Network?

Emergencies such as flooding, extreme weather, prolonged power cuts or major incidents can disrupt everyday life with little warning.

The Resilience Network is a developing volunteer initiative covering St Thomas, Exwick, Alphington and St Davids in Exeter.

The idea is simple: bring together independent community organisations, local Emergency Hubs and individual volunteers so they can prepare together, share information and support one another during an emergency.

We hope to establish regular training sessions covering subjects such as radio communications, map reading, first aid and working safely, together with an annual emergency exercise.

The Network would complement the work of the emergency services and local authorities, not replace them. Volunteers would not be expected to put themselves at risk.

How could you get involved?

We envisage three main areas of involvement. The arrangements are still being developed, so there is plenty of opportunity to help shape how the Network works.

1. Join the Co-ordinating Team

This small team will help establish and develop the Network, encourage new Community Emergency Hubs, support the preparation of local Emergency Plans, establish the Support Teams and keep volunteers involved.

We are particularly interested in people willing to take on the following roles:

Volunteer Co-ordinator – Help recruit volunteers, find out what skills and interests they have, and maintain regular contact with them.

Training Lead – Organise general and specialist training for volunteers and Emergency Hubs, together with practical exercises.

Fundraising Lead – Identify funding opportunities, prepare grant applications and help secure money for training and equipment.

External Liaison – Develop relationships with the emergency services, local authorities and other organisations involved in emergency planning and response.

2. Join a Support Team

We propose four Support Teams, each with a different role in helping the Network prepare for emergencies and provide assistance when required.

Communications Team

Help establish and maintain communications between Emergency Hubs and other parts of the Network. Collect, verify and share information, including when normal communication systems are disrupted.

Operational Support

Provide practical assistance where needed, within volunteers' abilities and training. Members would receive appropriate training in working safely.

Welfare Team

Look after the wellbeing of volunteers during an emergency, including refreshments, rest arrangements and emotional support.

Public Awareness

Help residents understand how to prepare for emergencies. Promote local Emergency Hubs, encourage household emergency planning, and share advice on issues such as rogue traders and scams following an emergency.

3. Help in your neighbourhood

A key part of the Network will be a series of locally managed Community Emergency Hubs, based in existing venues such as churches, community centres and other suitable buildings.

During an emergency, a Hub could provide a familiar place where people can obtain reliable information, make contact with others and organise local assistance.

Each Hub would be run by its own host organisation and volunteers, while benefiting from the wider Network's communications, training and support.

We are looking for organisations interested in hosting an Emergency Hub, and people willing to help develop or update their neighbourhood's Community Emergency Plan.

What happens next?

Our immediate priorities are to establish the Co-ordinating Team, identify suitable Emergency Hub venues, develop the Support Teams and plan our first training activities.

There is still much to decide. The proposed structure is a starting point, and we want the Network to develop through the involvement and ideas of local people and organisations.

We'd love you to be part of it

You don't have to commit to a particular role at this stage. Simply tell us what interests you, what skills you might be able to offer, or how you would like to contribute.

Complete our online form to get involved

Alternatively, contact Love St Thomas CIC at hello@love-st-thomas.org.