Community comes together to install life-saving defibrillator

Plans to install vital life-saving medical equipment at a community centre in Shrewsbury have become a reality with help from the Homes Plus My Community Fund.

A donation from the fund helped to top up money donated by the town’s Mayor, Councillor David Vasmer, and money raised by the wider community to pay for the defibrillator.

Homes Plus also agreed to install the equipment that’s now easily accessible for the general public as it’s located on the outside of the community centre at Care Plus’ Armdale Retirement Living Scheme in Monkmoor.

Eimear McNally, Care Plus Retirement living officer, said she was delighted to have been involved in a project that has brought the local community together over the past few months.

“In addition to all the fundraising that has been taking place, we’re also very privileged that a member of the wider community has agreed to maintain the defibrillator and complete training sessions free of charge,” she said.

“It hasn't been easy, but the community has persevered, and now we have this wonderful piece of equipment to support not only our tenants, but anyone in the area.”

The defibrillator was unveiled by the Mayor at a special event that also included Armdale residents and representatives of Homes Plus and Care Plus.

Following the unveiling, Councillor Vasmer said: “There is a real need in Armdale because most of the homes around the centre are designed for people who are elderly or have a limiting long-term condition.

“It will reassure both residents and their families that any emergency problem with someone’s heart can be dealt with immediately, thereby saving lives.”

The My Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Jewson, supports grass-roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. Local charities and voluntary groups can apply for grants online at: https://www.homesplus.co.uk/help-and-advice/the-my-community-fund/