Delta Air Lines has partnered with the British Red Cross to fund the charity’s first out-of-hours emergency call centre.

The facility will create up to six new jobs and could help more than 3,000 people each year.

The charity already operates daytime emergency response operations in different regions but has been unable to offer a full time national out-of-hours call centre until now.

The call centre will operate from 18:00 until 08:00 seven days a week expanding its operation to be around-the-clock.

In 2015, its volunteers responded to 2,230 emergency call outs and assisted more than 14,000 people with vital emotional care and practical support.

“By their nature, emergencies can happen at any time, which is why we have committed to supporting the work of the British Red Cross,” said Nat Pieper, Delta senior vice president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.

“We have worked with the American Red Cross for more than 75 years and having seen the incredible work they do, we’re proud to be able to help their British counterpart assist people across the UK.”

The Red Cross helps vulnerable people in the UK and abroad prepare for, withstand and recover from emergencies in their own communities including adverse weather, natural disasters and individual crises. 

“Working alongside the UK’s emergency services, the Red Cross responds to thousands of emergency call outs across the UK every year, including house fires and flooding,” said Simon Lewis, head of crisis response, British Red Cross.

“We’re extremely excited about the launch of our partnership with Delta Air Lines as the facility will centralise emergency calls, making the way requests are handled more efficient and effective.

“With the support of partners like Delta, the Red Cross can continue its vital work supporting people in crisis across the country.”