Members of non-governmental organisations who have been trained and practised are always more useful than spontaneous volunteers in a crisis situation, as they can provide different types of specialised skills. Get involved in a voluntary defence organisation or any other voluntary organisation that suits you.

Voluntary defence organisations (FFO) 

Voluntary defence organisations have existed for more than 100 years and play an important role in Sweden's crisis and war preparedness. There are 18 voluntary defence organisations in Sweden with around 350,000 members of various ages. They are present at local level throughout the country. FFOs have specific missions in crisis preparedness and total defence and are financed by government funds through MSB and the Swedish Armed Forces. They have a range of specialised skills that are particularly useful when societal disruptions and crises occur. These include staff work, radio communications, transport and logistics, as well as motorbike riding, parachuting and searching with dogs, to give a few examples.

The organisations support both civilian authorities and the Armed Forces. Courses and training for volunteers ensure that specialised skills are maintained and developed as needs change. Several of the organisations have activities for young people. 

The importance of voluntary defence organisations has been highlighted by both the government and the parliament and they have a special status compared to other non-profit organisations. Their tasks are determined by the Swedish Armed Forces and MSB. You can find out more about the voluntary defence organisations and how to become a member on each organisation's website.

Volunteer Resource Group (FRG)

The volunteer resource group is a way for a municipality to organise volunteers. The purpose of the FRG is to provide access to extra human resources if the municipality is affected by a crisis. For example, they can help with evacuations, information dissemination and other practical things such as distributing water if the municipality has problems with the water supply.

Being a member of an FRG also includes providing first aid and compassionate support to victims. A volunteer resource group is also tasked with receiving and organising spontaneous volunteers where the municipality deems there is a need.

An FRG includes people from different voluntary defence organisations. They are recruited precisely because they have the experience and training needed to fulfil the task the group may face. To become a member of an FRG, you need to complete a basic training programme that includes first aid, CPR and fire prevention.

Religious communities

Many faith communities make important contributions in times of crisis, not least when it comes to helping people in need of support after serious events. The Church of Sweden has a long tradition of being a focal point in crises, but as Sweden has become increasingly multicultural, other faith communities have come to share that role with the Church of Sweden, according to the Swedish Agency for Aid to Faith Communities (SST).

It can be important for victims and their families to talk to someone who understands the grief as well as the language, culture and beliefs of the victim. Rituals and ceremonies can be particularly important after a traumatic event. Faith communities can also be appropriate places for victims to gather and receive support and information. 

Other organisations

There are many other types of organisations that can be valuable in a crisis. For example, housing associations, patient and family associations, sports clubs, cultural associations or organisations for children, the elderly and those living with a disability. They and many other non-profit organisations can be an important resource in a crisis, depending on what has happened and how the crisis is managed.

Spontaneous volunteers

When a crisis occurs, there is often a great willingness among people to help. All volunteers are important, but those who have been trained and practised in a voluntary defence organisation, for example, are more useful in a crisis situation.

As the actors managing a crisis are usually busy, it is usually easier to contact one of the organisations already on the ground and familiar with the work if you want to help. Many of the voluntary organisations can usually accommodate spontaneous volunteers.

The information comes from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR), the Voluntary Resource Group and the Swedish Agency for Support to Faith Communities (SST).