Dorset Search & Rescue (DorSAR)
Dorset Search & Rescue is a team of highly trained volunteers who work with the Police, Coastguard and other emergency services in the search, rescue or recovery of missing persons
Professional in all but pay
Dorset Search & Rescue is entirely volunteer based. From those who support us at PR and Fundraising events to those who leave their beds at 04:00am to search for vulnerable missing people – nobody gets paid for their time.
Professional in all but pay
Dorset Search & Rescue is entirely volunteer based. From those who support us at PR and Fundraising events to those who leave their beds at 04:00am to search for vulnerable missing people – nobody gets paid for their time.
Professional in all but pay
Dorset Search & Rescue is entirely volunteer based. From those who support us at PR and Fundraising events to those who leave their beds at 04:00am to search for vulnerable missing people – nobody gets paid for their time.
Who we search for across Dorset
Dorset Search and Rescue responds to a wide range of missing person incidents across the county, working closely with Dorset Police to help locate those who need our assistance. We frequently search for vulnerable adults, including those living with dementia, mental health conditions, or other medical needs, who may have wandered from their homes or care settings and become disoriented or confused. We also search for missing children, ensuring that families receive the urgent support they need when their loved ones cannot be found. No matter who is reported missing, our dedicated volunteers are ready to deploy at any time of day or night to begin the search.
Mental health
At Dorset Search and Rescue, we understand that mental health crises can be just as urgent and life-threatening as any physical emergency. Our trained volunteers work alongside emergency services to assist individuals who may be vulnerable, distressed, or in need of help during a mental health crisis. We approach every situation with compassion, sensitivity, and respect, ensuring that those we find are treated with dignity and care. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999. For mental health support, you can also reach the Samaritans on 116 123, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Suicide
At Dorset Search and Rescue, some of our most sensitive and challenging callouts involve individuals who are in crisis and at risk of taking their own life. Our specially trained volunteers work closely with the Police, Coastguard, and other emergency services to locate and support vulnerable individuals as quickly and safely as possible. We approach every search with urgency, compassion, and without judgement, understanding that every life is precious and worth fighting for. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help immediately. Call 999 in an emergency, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7), or text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support at any time.
Dementia
At Dorset Search and Rescue, we are frequently called upon to help locate individuals living with dementia who have become lost or disoriented. Wandering is a common and often dangerous aspect of dementia, and our trained volunteers understand the unique challenges and vulnerabilities that these individuals face. We work closely with the Police, carers, and family members to conduct thorough and sensitive searches, ensuring that those we find are treated with patience, kindness, and dignity. If someone you know living with dementia is missing, please call 999 immediately. For advice and support on dementia care, the Alzheimer's Society helpline is available on 0333 150 3456, or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk for further guidance.
Children
At Dorset Search and Rescue, we understand that when a child goes missing, every second counts. Our trained volunteers are ready to respond quickly and effectively, working alongside the Police and other emergency services to locate missing children as safely and swiftly as possible. We use a range of specialist search techniques and equipment to cover large areas of land, coastline, and woodland, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to bring a child home safely. If a child is missing, please call 999 immediately and do not delay. You can also contact the Missing People charity on 116 000, a free 24-hour helpline that offers support and advice to families of missing children, or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk for further information and guidance.
Our Volunteers
Dorset Search and Rescue is made up of a dedicated team of unpaid volunteers who give their time, skills, and commitment to help keep our community safe. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing a wide range of professional backgrounds and expertise to the team.
Search Technicians
Search Technicians are professionally trained to Lowland Rescue standards. They remain on-call around their personal and professional lives, ready to deploy 24-7, whatever the weather.
Support Technicians
Support Technicians are a critical resource that underpin search operations. They are often response drivers and lead on operational logistics around welfare, radio communications and vehicle maintenance.
Support Services Team
Working behind the scenes to keep the charity operating smoothly. They are experts in fundraising, communications, social media, photography, videography, risk, finance, technology and human resources.
"Every search we attend is different, but the one thing that never changes is our determination to bring someone home safely. It doesn't matter if it's the middle of the night, pouring with rain, or freezing cold – when someone needs us, we are there."
Andy Roberts
Search Technician
Our impact across Dorset
Operational Members
Support members
Team Leaders
Search Managers
Search Planner
Search Operator
In 2024 it cost £36,137 to keep Dorset Search & Rescue operational
In 2024 our volunteers spent 2,465 hours on live callouts