A simple question, a shared commitment to community safety, and a group of people willing to work together have resulted in Fairfield gaining 24-hour access to a potentially lifesaving defibrillator.
Earlier this year, local ward councillor and then Deputy Mayor of Warrington, Councillor Sagheer Zaman, now the Mayor of Warrington, asked Warrington VIP whether The Old School Project had a publicly accessible defibrillator on site. When it was confirmed there wasn’t one, Sagheer set about finding a way to make it happen.
His search led him to London Hearts, a charity that works with sponsors to fund and install public access defibrillators in communities across the UK. Through the generosity of The Grace Trust, which sponsored the defibrillator, Sagheer connected Warrington VIP Deputy CEO Vicky James with London Hearts, and the project quickly began to take shape.
Mayor Sagheer Zaman said: “When I discovered there wasn’t a defibrillator available at The Old School Project, I felt it was something worth pursuing. In an emergency, quick access to a defibrillator can make a real difference. I’m delighted that, through partnership working and community spirit, we’ve been able to bring this important resource to Fairfield.”
Working together, Fiona Patterson, CEO of Warrington VIP and Chair of Trustees for The Old School Project, and Emma Brown, Project Manager at The Old School Project, confirmed a suitable location at the main entrance, ensuring the defibrillator would be easily accessible to the community in an emergency.
The equipment was delivered in August, but there was still one important piece of the puzzle, getting it installed.
Following a social media appeal, Paul Simpkin of HMS Electrical Services generously offered his time and expertise. Paul visited The Old School on 22 September and, by 24 September, the defibrillator had been professionally installed and was ready for use.
Vicky James, Deputy CEO of Warrington VIP, said: “This shows what can be achieved when people work together. What started as a simple conversation has resulted in a valuable community asset that could one day save a life.”
The new defibrillator is now positioned outside the main entrance of The Old School Project on Fairfield Street, Warrington, making it accessible to the local community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emma Brown, Project Manager at The Old School Project, said: “We’re so grateful for this community-funded defibrillator. It belongs to the whole community, and having it here, easily accessible at our front entrance, is a reassuring addition for everyone who visits, works or takes part in activities at The Old School.”
Cllr Tony Higgins, Fairfield & Howley Ward Councillor, added: “You can’t underestimate the importance of these lifesaving machines and, thanks to the generosity of The Grace Trust, we are all a little more protected. I’ve long been a champion of defibrillators, so thank you to everyone involved in making this happen.”
The defibrillator provides vital emergency equipment for local residents, visitors, community groups and everyone who uses The Old School Project.
While everyone hopes it is never needed, having a defibrillator readily available could help save a life while emergency services are on their way.
For more information on what The Old School community venue offers please visit www.theoldschoolproject.org or please contact them via enquiries@theoldschoolproject.org
1 Comment
Well done guys, great job, Geoff Settle, chair Warrington VIP.