One Year of Welfare Wagons Supporting East of England Ambulance Service Staff & Volunteers
Date: 27 August 2025It’s been one year since the Welfare Wagons first hit the road across the east of England and they’ve made a meaningful difference to thousands of East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) staff and volunteers.
These specially equipped vehicles offer vital support during periods of high operational pressure, offering staff and volunteers a space to have a quiet moment to recharge after facing long and difficult shifts. The welfare wagons regularly visit ambulance stations, offices, 999 emergency operation centres, and hospital A&Es across the east of England, bringing the care directly to where it is needed most.
Each Welfare Wagon offers: • A safe space for confidential conversations • Hot and cold drinks, snacks, and welfare materials • Mental health first aid support and signposting advice • Friendly, trained volunteers, training includes mental health awareness and first aid. The occasional visit from our lovely therapy dogs, assessed ‘Good Dogs,’ who bring smiles and calm when it’s needed most.
In just one year, the welfare wagons have supported over 6,500 staff and volunteers, including over 4,500 from the frontline. An EEAST frontline staff member who has used the welfare wagons shared: “During long waits at hospital, or following big/stressful jobs, the welfare wagon provides a service greater than offering chocolate and coffee. It provides an opportunity to talk to someone who holds a neutral position and a more human approach away from a clinical setting/management. It provides an opportunity to be social with my colleagues and to take a step back.”
This project is made possible through the East of England Ambulance Service Charity, a grant from NHS Charities Together, and EEAST.
Debs Crelly, Head of Health and Wellbeing at EEAST, said: “We are so grateful to our charity for the wonderful welfare wagons. They are vital in offering comfort to our frontline staff following exposure to trauma or challenging circumstances. Something as simple as a drink or snack leads to a moment of calm and an opportunity to decompress."
Help keep the wheels turning
We need your support to help keep these welfare wagons going. Just a small donation to the Just Giving page will help make the biggest difference to someone working on the frontline.
For more information about the Welfare Wagons please email: welfare.wagons@eastamb.nhs.uk
