Search and Rescue seeking new members

Search and Rescue is the primary resource used by Sussex Police to search for missing, vulnerable people, and they need your help...

Sussex Search and Rescue

What we do

Sussex Search & Rescue (SusSAR) is the primary volunteer resource used by Sussex Police to search for, and rescue, vulnerable missing people. We are on call 24 hours every day throughout the year.

As a 100% volunteer organisation our members give their time free of charge and expect nothing in return but satisfaction from a job well done. We exist to serve the community of Sussex through the goodwill of our members and charitable donations.

We can be called out by Sussex Police or by Search & Rescue Teams in other counties requesting our assistance at any time.

Where might people see us?

As a result of our charity status and no funding, we have a variety of means for fundraising.

Our fundraising activities can take the form of collections at supermarkets, or providing marshals for events such as marathons around Sussex, or representing the unit at public emergency services shows during the summer, to name but a few.

Not only are we seen in our own county, but we can be seen assisting our neighbouring counties such as Hampshire, Surrey and Kent.

How would we describe ourselves?

We are the men and women that dedicate our time to help the people of Sussex that need us the most when their loved ones go missing. We are qualified to high standards and are a vital volunteer resource to Sussex Police.

How do we raise funds?

As we are self-funded, fundraising is an integral part of what we have to do in order to continue as a unit. We often offer support for events, mainly in the form of marshalling at large sporting or community events.

A major activity we partake in for raising funds is ‘bucket shakes’ outside supermarkets, shops or in high-streets etc.

What does it mean to be a member of SusSAR?

Membership of SusSAR involves quite a considerable commitment in terms of time, effort and money.

Time – we hold two training evenings a month (2nd & 4th Thursday), at various locations across Sussex. Attendance at callouts is expected wherever possible, and these can occur during the day or at night. Members are also asked to attend fundraising events, in order to help keep the team operational.

Effort – joining the team involves an initial 4-6 month probationary period, followed by attendance (and successful completion) of a weekend training course in search skills. Further ongoing training is then available and expected.

Money – being volunteers, all members provide their own kit, transport and fuel costs.

How can people join?

We are pleased to have vacancies for operational, fundraising and support members. If you are interested in becoming an operational member, please fill in this form.

If you don’t have the capacity to help with the operational side of SusSAR, but wish to support us at call-outs in a support capacity, please email secretary@sussar.org

We would be delighted to hear from you should you be looking to help with fundraising for us. Please email fundraising@sussar.org to discuss how you can help us raise funds and join our team in a non-operational role, soon.

Where are we based?

Across the whole of Sussex. Technically we are C/o. Shoreham Police Station, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PA

SusSAR is looking for a ‘home’ in the central Sussex area. Ideally this would be somewhere that can hold 40-50 people for indoor meetings, plus a small office area and vehicle storage.

We are always on the lookout for opportunities to raise money, so if you can think of ways to help, or simple just want to know a bit more, please contact fundraising@sussar.org.

About Sam Harrington-Lowe
As the managing editor Sam is responsible for all the Title publications and works diligently to develop the brand and support relationships with all partners and clients. She runs things with her dedicated PA Ms Alice Pickle Pug