Claire Brown – 11th December 2025 – 10.12am.
Two staff networks from West Midlands Ambulance Service have come together to organise a donation of essential supplies for people in Jamaica after the devastating hurricane Melissa in October.
The ONE Network and the Women’s Network have been working together since the hurricane struck at the end of October, to appeal to staff and volunteers at WMAS for donations to support affected communities in Jamaica.
Staff and volunteers from across the Trust responded to their appeal with generosity by donating essential hygiene and comfort items. In just a few weeks, a total of 455 items, such as sanitary towels, nappies, baby milk, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, paracetamol, ibuprofen and plasters were received.
On 8th December, the donations were delivered by The ONE Network Co-chairs Keeling Hutton and Mohammed Azim to Beverley Johnson at JLB International Shipping. Beverley will be adding the donations to her company’s 8th Humanitarian Relief Container ready for shipping to Food for the Poor (Jamaica) Charity.
Keeling Hutton said: “We would like to thank Beverly at JLB International Shipping for her continued humanitarian work and support in making this possible. On behalf of the ONE Network, I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed. Your compassion, solidarity, and willingness to help will make a real difference.”
Joanne Caines, the Women’s Network Vice-chair added: “It has been truly heartwarming to see just how many donations have come in – most especially as many of our colleagues have family and friends living in Jamaica who have been directly affected by Hurricane Melissa. I echo Keeling’s words and wish to send a very big thank you for everyone who has supported this much needed cause.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor: The ONE Network empowers and supports staff who identify as being from an ethnic background, including allies. The Women’s Network ensure that staff who identify as women and advocates of women, feel supported as well as providing support and inspiration to others as well as providing an opportunity to learn from each other and network
Pictured: Keeling Hutton (left) Mohammed Azim (right)