The History and Work of the British Red Cross – 11th November 2025 – Jayne Owens
The British Red Cross was formed in 1870 as the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded and was inspired by the Swiss businessman Henry Dunant. He showed compassion for people fighting on both sides of a war.
At times of national or international crises we hear of the work of humanitarian agencies such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent. What is the link between them and the Geneva Convention?
We welcome as our next speaker Jayne Owens, Community Legacy Manager for the Midlands, who will be giving us an illustrated insight into the long and valuable work for humanity of the British Red Cross from the time of Henry Dunant, Swiss businessman and humanitarian, co-founder of the International Red Cross, to 2025 and work in Gaza and other war-torn areas or places of natural disaster worldwide.
The British Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation that provides support to people in crisis, both in the U.K. and internationally. It’s part of the larger Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, a global network with thousands of volunteers which operates in 190 countries.
It provides aid to people in crisis without discrimination, regardless of background or belief. The British Red Cross focuses on helping individuals and communities prepare for, cope with and recover from emergencies, including disasters, conflicts and personal challenges.
