Anniversary marked with charity effort

AN INTERNATIONAL relief charity set up by a former Staffordshire firefighter will celebrate its 15th anniversary by training police, fire and paramedic staff in Macedonia.

Staffordshire Emergency Services Humanitarian Aid Association (SESHAA) was established in 1995 by Alf Wilson, former Moorlands Area Commander for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Since its inauguration SESHAA has piloted projects across the world, providing support to communities blighted by war, famine and natural disaster where there is a tangible threat to life.

Recent projects have been delivered in Poland, Uganda, Bosnia and Jamaica. Work helps to bring order to communities through the provision of modern firefighting equipment.

Alf said: "Our motivation is pure and simple – to assist and help people by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and training they need to establish modern, efficient and safe emergency services.

"Equipment and appliances are also made available where there is a need for them to support the local community and delivery of fire services."

During the group's visit to Macedonia this summer, emergency service workers will start a training programme based around road traffic collisions.

The aim of the project is to improve co-operation and team work among the fire service, police and paramedics when they attend such incidents.

SESHAA is funded through donations with support from the Fire Brigades Union. Members are volunteers representing public service bodies such as the police and ambulance.