Free defibrillator chance for local community groups

The programme is open to non-profit, community-focused organisations, including charities, faith organisations, sports groups, social clubs, community centres, parish councils, community interest companies, social enterprises and residents’ associations.

Successful applicants will receive a package which includes a defibrillator with pads and accessories, a non-lockable outdoor cabinet and replacement pads and batteries. Support with installation may also be available where a group cannot arrange this itself.

There are a number of conditions that groups need to meet. The proposed defibrillator must normally be at least 200 metres from the nearest public access defibrillator and must be available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It must be installed externally in the cabinet provided, with unrestricted public access and a constant electricity supply. Groups also need permission from the property owner, must install the equipment within four weeks of receiving it and register it with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network.

A spokesperson said: “The funding is targeted towards communities where defibrillator provision is most needed. Applications are reviewed monthly, with factors including the number of registered defibrillators locally taken into account. Funding is limited, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.

“Individuals, emergency services, GP and dental surgeries, schools and colleges, military organisations and organisations seeking a mobile defibrillator are among those that cannot apply through this particular programme.”

Go to the British Heart Foundation website at tinyurl.com/bddamcd6 to find out more and to complete the application form.