National Emergencies Trust (NET) has launched a free toolkit to help local charities and community groups take practical steps to prepare for emergencies.

Its Ready Together toolkit is based on research by Nottingham Trent University into how communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

It aims to help groups identify local strengths and resources and those who may need additional support.

It also looks at how charities and local groups can communicate and plan in collaboration.

“We see time and again how brilliantly communities step up when emergencies happen, and Ready Together is about helping people build on that strength before a crisis,” said NET chief executive Mhairi Sharp.

“You don’t have to do everything. Start with one conversation or one action and take it from there. The important thing is that we start getting ready, together.”

The toolkit was launched this week at an event in Somerset attended by Prince William, who is the Royal Patron of the charity, and current Celebrity Traitor contestant Ross Kemp.

“This toolkit belongs to communities. There are no targets. No box-ticking. Use it your way and make it your own. You don’t need to be an emergency planning expert, and you don’t need loads of kit,” said Kemp.

“Pick up one part, share it and start a conversation – with your neighbours, your sports club, your community group, whoever it may be.

“We can all do something. And if we do it together, it can make a real difference.”

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