Members were able to tell people that Red Cross, which has always been associated with helping the community, is also now joined with Beyond Blue to help out after disasters.

Members of the Milton Ulladulla branch of Red Cross are part of a disaster services group who work together with other local agencies such as Anglicare to be prepared in the event of a local disaster. 

Recently members had a refresher course in Nowra to explain the duties of those who door knock after a disaster to check on the wellbeing of people in the vicinity - this is called Outreach. 

They do not collect money but check to see if the people need help from other agencies or if they need to talk to someone about the recent disaster.

Following the terrible fires in Victoria, Red Cross workers travelled round and spoke to the people some months after the disaster in order to find out if they were coping with stress. 

In the Blue Mountains there are still volunteers checking on people who may have been affected by the fires last year.

Red Cross works locally as well as overseas and are always there to help in a disaster situation. 

Their role is to meet and greet those who have been evacuated and try and help them receive assistance from the particular agency they need. 

The symbol of the red cross on a white background is only to be used by Red Cross and as such is recognised all over the world as a symbol of hope and comfort.

Many thanks to those who provide knitted and sewn items for sale by the Milton Ulladulla branch.

The role of the branches is to raise money to help with different Red Cross projects and the members appreciate the help they receive from others in the community. 

Thanks to those who knit the trauma teddies which are given out every month to the hospital, medical centres and even the vets.

They can never be sold - they are always given away.

Monetary donations are always welcome at PO Box 556, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539 and further information about Red Cross can be given via the Telecross Message Bank on 4454 4125 - leave your details and someone will get back to you. 

The branch meets on the first Thursday of every month at 2pm at Kendall Cottage, Ulladulla.

Visitors are always welcome.