30 January 2025
Joely Richardson praises work of British Red Cross emergency response teams after Belfast visit
Actor Joely Richardson has praised the work of British Red Cross emergency response volunteers after being given an insight into their vital work on a recent visit to Belfast.
Ms Richardson met with families who have been supported by British Red Cross teams after their homes were destroyed by extreme weather.
It comes after Storm Eowyn wreaked havoc across the country over the weekend. British Red Cross emergency response teams deployed over 70 volunteers across the country, helping more than 1,000 people in the process.
The work has been applauded by Ms Richardson, who saw firsthand the vital support provided by Red Cross teams on her recent visit to Northern Ireland, where she met residents whose homes were left uninhabitable following storm-related flooding.
“It is hard to imagine the massive devastation a flood can make and the trauma it brings when your home is taken away in minutes,” she said.
All the homes in the street in Dundonald that Ms Richardson visited are currently uninhabitable. One former resident, Helen, told the star of Nip/Tuck and The Gentleman of her terror as water from what she had assumed was just a heavy downpour very quickly submerged her entire ground floor, as she huddled upstairs in the dark and cold.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service alerts the Red Cross Emergency Response team in Belfast when emergencies happen, and the team were immediately on hand. But it was when the media, camera crews and main emergency services had left that the residents truly appreciated Red Cross support.
Another ex-resident, Hannah, told Joely that returning home to clear out six years’ worth of damaged possessions was “soul-destroying”. She said: “It was so cold while clearing out, but the Red Cross team were there every day. We’d work in the house then pop into their vehicles to warm up, have something to eat and a cup of tea then get back to work in the house.”
Hannah didn’t have insurance, and her family lost everything. She added: “The Red Cross gave me some cash assistance. It was amazing to have money right there for essentials like nappies for my son.
But just as importantly, speaking to Linda, one of the crew, really helped - even now she messages me to see how I’m doing. It is so lovely to have someone on your side."
Joanne McKenna, Emergency Response Operations Manager at the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland, said: “It’s important that people know what to do before, during and after a storm, but it’s just as important that they have support to recover when one does occur.
“We are seeing more and more weather emergencies and know the impact they can have on people. We are thankful to Joely for coming to visit our services as we were able to show her how we help communities in Northern Ireland during and after a crisis.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
British Red Cross
For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk