It’s only a matter of days before the clocks go back – not something that most of us look forward to. But for West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness of our work.

The charity, which is one of 47 Mountain Rescue teams across England and Wales, is made up entirely of volunteers on call 24 hours a day around the clock. They support the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coastguard with search and rescue cover for the west of the Duchy (TR postcode areas), and further afield if required.

Team Leader, Paul, said, “Every year, mountain and cave rescue teams across England and Wales use Mountain Rescue Awareness Day to promote their work. For the last few years, the date has been set for the last weekend in October, just as the clock change heralds cooler days and earlier nightfall – the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves (and you) how to stay safe in the great outdoors.”

This year, they are inviting the public to join the team at Tehidy Woods on Sunday 27^th October from 10.30am (South Car Park – which also has cafe & toilet facilities).

📍 TR14 0HA | W3W film.powering.media

Training Officer, Chris, explains “There will be a chance for the public to not just see the team training but to join in and try their hand at some of the skills we use, including first aid, stretcher carrying and navigation.

“The team often carries out its life-saving work in remote locations or in the middle of the night so this is a unique opportunity to join in, experience what we do first hand and ask any questions,” Chris said.

“Although we are always ready to go out looking for missing people or rescuing casualties from difficult locations, we’d rather help people stay safe in the first place and that’s the aim of Mountain Rescue Awareness Day; to remind people to take simple precautions that could avoid the need to become a user of our services!” Team Leader, Paul, said.

So why not make a note to get out and support your local team. You can find out more about the work of the team on their website – www.westcornwallsar.co.uk or follow them on social media to keep up to date with their activities and call-outs.