A rest centre is a building used to provide immediate temporary shelter, food and information to people who have been evacuated as a result of an emergency situation. This may last from a few hours to a few days until they can return home or alternative accommodation is found. The rest centres are run by volunteers which form part of the Registration Team. Their skills and experience are vital in helping to support a community disrupted by an emergency incident.
What do the Registration Team volunteers do?
- Issue registration cards and complete registration forms for each individual/household using the rest centre
- Guided by the Rest Centre Manager, provide the Police with information about the people using the centre
- Work in a team made up of council staff and other agencies, for example the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service
- Provide a welcoming and friendly environment
- Listen, and deal patiently, with people from all ages and backgrounds who may be angry, confused or distressed.
Registration Team volunteers provide full contact details and are willing to respond to an emergency call (if available). They are provided with regular training to practice their role and are paid for their time when they are called out to assist at a rest centre.
If you would like to found out more about the council’s emergency procedures, please contact PEPU on (0113) 24 75744, or go to www.leeds.gov.uk/pepu