Can You Help?

There are many ways you can help people take action vs. DSEI. Simply being helpful and supportive can make a big difference.

Below are some specific roles you may want to help with. If you’d like to sign up for one or more of these roles, please get in touch, and let us know the area you are interested in and your availability!

Week of Fair Setup (4th – 11th September 2023) & Week of DSEI itself (12th to 15th September 2023)

Police Station Support

Role: Greeting people released from police custody and providing emotional and practical support; ensuring they are aware of what other support is available; keeping legal team informed.

Skills / training: No special training required; listening and support skills useful.

Legal Observer

Role: Trained volunteers who support the legal rights of activists. They provide basic legal guidance and are independent witnesses of police behaviour at protests.

Skills / training: Requires previous training in Legal Observing by Green and Black Cross (GBC) or LDMG.  GBC are running legal observer trainings for people who can legal observe during the week of action, on 14th and 15th August.  Information about the trainings and how to sign up can be found on the Campaign Against Arms Trade website.

First Aider

Role: To provide aid to someone who is injured or ill, especially immediate aid; to keep them safe; to cause no further harm and to liaise with the emergency services as needed.

Training / skills : Requires either medical or nursing training; or current relevant certificate in First Aid; or training/experience as a Street Medic.

Mental Health First Aider

Role: To provide aid to someone who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress, especially acting as an immediate point of contact; to keep them safe; to cause no further harm, and to liaise with emergency services as needed.

Training / skills:  Requires either relevant medical or nursing training; or current relevant certificate in Mental Health First Aid.

Food & Drink

Role: Keeping everyone fed and watered! Involves preparation and service of food; ensuring food safety; cleaning preparation areas; washing up;

Training / Skills: No special training required; experience of food preparation and food hygiene certificates useful.

Social Media & Citizen Journalism

Role: Getting the word out! Capturing images, video, sharing the story of events taking place on the day (especially for those not physically present); mobilising and encouraging participation; demonstrating solidarity

Training / Skills: No special training required. Skills in photography; videography; experience using Twitter/Facebook/WhatsApp useful.

Welfare Team

Role:  Providing practical and emotional support on site, e.g. sharing food and water, quiet and supportive space for people in distress; managing support materials and equipment (e.g. blankets, water bottles); identifying welfare needs and signposting people to the relevant resources

Training / Skills: No special training required. Experience organising welfare support useful.

Infrastructure Team

Role: Ensuring the site physically remains a safe, accessible place to be; setting up and moving shelters and toilets; preventing damage e.g. due to wind; ensuring any ramps / facilities needed are in place.

Training / Skills: No special training required. Practical skills around putting up tents or shelters; moving heavy objects; driving useful.

Art the Arms Fair

Art the Arms Fair runs an art exhibition and programme of creative events provoked by the arms fair on London’s doorstep, during the week of the arms fair itself. There are roles in build, driving, sound, photography, workshops, as well as more general help.

Contact Art the Arms Fair for information about this year’s plans.

It All Matters!

We are aware that there are many activities not listed above. If you are providing transport, accommodation, food, making art, babysitting, pet-sitting, a listening ear, an encouraging word, or sharing information online or in person, you are helping put a stop to the arms fair! Thank you!

Get in touch!

If you are interested in filling any of these roles, please get in touch, letting us know the area you are interested in and your availability!