Oxfordshire community Heyford Park receives defibrillator

The device is part of a wider effort to improve community safety and includes a bleed kit.

It forms part of Platform Housing Group’s wider commitment to building safer communities across the Midlands.

The new life-saving equipment was installed with support from the OurJay Foundation and funding from Travis Perkins Managed Services.

Sarah Sutton, director of customer service and experience at Platform Housing Group, said: “We’re committed to investing in the communities we serve and this goes far beyond providing homes.

“Installing publicly accessible defibrillators helps ensure that residents, visitors and the wider community have access to life-saving equipment should the unthinkable happen.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the OurJay Foundation and grateful to Travis Perkins Managed Services for supporting this initiative.

“Together we’re helping to create safer neighbourhoods and giving communities the confidence that help is close at hand in an emergency.”

The project has been backed by a £20,000 donation from Travis Perkins Managed Services, funding the installation of 20 defibrillators across Platform Housing’s communities.

Warwickshire-based OurJay Foundation was established in memory of Jamie Rees, who died at 18 from a cardiac arrest.

Naomi Rees-Issitt, founder of the charity and Jamie’s mother, said: “Every new defibrillator installed is another opportunity to save a life.

“We know that immediate access to a defibrillator can significantly improve someone’s chance of survival following a cardiac arrest.

“We’re delighted to continue working with Platform Housing Group to make these devices available in more communities.

“Jay’s legacy lives on through every installation and every life that may one day be saved because help was nearby.”

Platform owns and manages 541 homes across Oxfordshire and is the first housing association to partner with the OurJay Foundation.

The organisation said it wants to ensure its neighbourhoods are not only good places to live but also safe.

Ben Clifford, senior account manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, said: “We’re proud to support Platform Housing Group and the OurJay Foundation in delivering this important initiative.

“Providing funding for these defibrillators is about investing in communities and helping ensure life-saving equipment is available when people need it most.

“We hope this installation at Heyford Park provides reassurance to local residents and makes a lasting difference for years to come.”

In addition to installing defibrillators, Platform Housing Group is working to raise public awareness and encourage more people to feel confident using the equipment in emergencies.