The Ambulance Services Charity (TASC) has been established as the leading UK charity providing advice and support services to current and retired ambulance personnel and their families and dependents in times of difficulty and urgent need.
The charity was formed following the merger of a number of funds across the UK including The Ambulance Services Benevolent Fund (ASBF), Amcare and The Beds and Herts Ambulance Benevolent Fund.
We will build on the legacy of the ASBF by taking forward the valuable work it has achieved to create a national fund with an extended range of services to benefit ambulance services personnel.
There are around 70 000 people working in the UK ambulance service, with each making an invaluable contribution to society whether it be in front-line emergency services, call-handling centres, patient transfer or other areas of service.
With over 10 million 999 calls received each year, we understand the increasing challenges and demands that are faced by ambulance personnel in their line of duty and the impact this can have on them and their families.
TASC aims to change the landscape of the support and services available to this incredible band of professionals by making it easier for those in need to access appropriate advice and relevant support.
The charity will operate as the single point of call for all members of the ambulance services community seeking help and support. This will include serving and retired ambulance personnel involved in land, air and water rescue missions, and their families and dependents.
We will provide a range of confidential, impartial and independent support services through our freephone TASC support line and a team of dedicated support staff based at our head office in Coventry.
Individuals and families will be able to access a range of services including support and advice through periods of rehabilitation as a result of injury or illness, access to confidential emotional support for those suffering with stress related illness, assistance with financial problems or debt issues, or have a place to turn to for general help and support when they feel there is nowhere else to turn.
We aim to put the ambulance services community at the centre of the process in everything we do. Support will be tailored to meet individual circumstances and needs.
Through the creation of The Ambulance Services Bereavement Fund (ASBF), we will also provide support to the families of those killed while on active service.
Our aim is to secure better outcomes for everyone who works in the ambulance service, and to help us deliver these vital services we need the backing of both the professional community and also the general public and other donors.
To find out more information about The Ambulance Services Charity please visit: www.theasc.org.uk.
To access confidential, impartial and independent advice and support from The Ambulance Services Charity please contact its support line: 0800 1032999.
If you have an enquiry please call the charity's head office: 02477 987922 or email: enquiries@theasc.co.uk.