Mayor's Small Grants Fund provides funds for new portable defibrillator at New Hope premises...
Local charity New Hope, dedicated to supporting individuals who are homeless or vulnerably housed, has recently purchased a portable defibrillator at their premises thanks to a £940 grant from the Mayor’s Small Grants Fund, managed by Watford Borough Council.
New Hope’s mission, “preventing homelessness, transforming lives,” speaks to its commitment to not only providing shelter but also creating empowering opportunities for those it serves. The addition of the defibrillator marks another step in ensuring the safety of their staff and the vulnerable individuals they work with daily. In the event of a life-threatening cardiac emergency, the device enables a first aider to deliver a potentially life-saving electric shock, significantly improving the chances of survival.
The Mayor’s Small Grants Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting local organisations, made it possible for New Hope to purchase the portable defibrillator.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "We are committed to helping local organisations through the Mayor’s Small Grants Fund. I’m pleased that New Hope has been able to purchase a defibrillator, which could potentially save lives in an emergency. This is precisely the kind of project we aim to support with this fund."
Matthew Heasman, Chief Executive of New Hope, said: "We are deeply thankful to Watford Borough Council and the Mayor’s Small Grants Fund for enabling us to invest in such a crucial piece of equipment. This defibrillator enhances the safety of both our staff and the vulnerable individuals we assist every day. While we hope it will never need to be used, having it available provides peace of mind."
For many of the individuals New Hope supports, particularly those struggling with addiction, having rapid access to a defibrillator offers an additional layer of safety. The new device is registered with The Circuit, a national database of defibrillators, ensuring that it is accessible by emergency services when needed. This not only increases the chances of survival during a cardiac arrest but also contributes to making Watford a safer community.
