Our Flight for Life Lottery was launched in December 2000 and is a vital part of our fundraising efforts.

There are five main cash prizes every week including a Jackpot of £1,000 and several other consolation prizes. We are registered with the Gambling Commission, which means that, should they wish, any person over the age of 16 and residing in the UK can support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in this way. 

We restrict the active recruitment of new lottery members to our operational area of Dorset and Somerset. Our preferred method of recruiting new members is by interacting with the public on a face to face basis. This allows our Lottery Canvassing Team to explain how the lottery works and answer any questions that a supporter may have.

We have two main areas of canvassing: one is door to door, where we call on householders at their property and the other is at supermarkets, where we may have a promotional stand on display. Our canvassers are all trained to be polite and non-intrusive when dealing with the public and they will always carry photographic identity badges and wear branded Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance clothing, so that you can be assured they are genuine.

The easiest, safest and most cost-effective way for us to collect lottery subscriptions is by Direct Debit. Our canvassers operate datasafe handheld devices, which are fully encrypted to a high standard to ensure that personal details are transmitted immediately and cannot be accessed by any unauthorised person. This represents a significant security improvement over canvassers having paper mandates out in the field, while also reducing the amount of paper used in the activity.

Given the nature of their role within the community, our canvassers also undergo Dementia Friends training as part of their induction. This enables them to gain a better understanding of dementia and how to identify the common signs of someone suffering with the disease. This in turn should help them to recognise a vulnerable adult and allow them to act appropriately.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of fundraising behaviour, which are set by the Fundraising Regulator, Gambling Commission and Data Protection Act 2018 legislation. As such, our Canvassing Team attend regular training sessions to review best practice and ensure that these standards and regulations are being adhered to.

Should you be concerned or suspect that you have been visited by a canvasser that might not be genuine, please contact our Lottery Team on 01202 849530.