New life-saving defibrillator in Gobowen, part-funded by Community Chest

News from our partners Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing)

A new life-saving defibrillator has recently been installed by Gobowen Parish Council in the centre of the village, thanks to a £500 boost from our Community Chest fund.

The new defibrillator in Gobowen

The defibrillator, which is located by the Post Office, is one of many across the county which play a vital role in reducing the number of deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest each year.

Purposely situated in a busy area, it is there for the benefit of the local community and anyone who may be visiting the village. It is also in an unlocked cabinet and can be accessed at any time of the day or night.

Sue Crow, who made the application for the money, said:

“I am pleased that thanks to the support from STAR Housing, the Three Parishes Big Local and Gobowen Co-op, by providing all the funding, Gobowen now has a defibrillator.

“I am grateful to the owner of the Post Office for allowing the installation on their wall – it is covered by their CCTV – and the clerk who placed the orders for the equipment and installation.”

Lauren Woods, STAR Housing’s Involvement and Empowerment Officer, said:

“We were so pleased to be able to contribute towards the cost of the defibrillator for use by anyone who may need it. We hope that its presence makes the local community feel safer, and in the event of it being used in an emergency, save a life.

“This is just one of many community projects we’ve supported through our Community Chest fund, and we’re keen to support many more.”

The parish council, which owns the defibrillator, is now arranging for a training session for anyone who would like to learn how to use the new device. The course will take place at Gobowen Pavilion on Saturday 14 April 2018 from 11am and will last two hours.

If you would like to book a place on the course, please contact the parish clerk by emailing clerk@selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk or calling 01691 829571.

Further information

What is a Community Chest?

We have a budget set aside each financial year for community based projects in areas where we have housing stock.

You can apply for funding up to a maximum of £750 by simply completing an application form. Find out more here (http://www.starhousing.org.uk/community-and-involvement/community-chest/)