Life saving defibrillators installed in communities across the Midlands

Life saving defibrillators and bleed kits are being installed in communities across the Midlands as part of our ongoing partnership with the Warwickshire based OurJay Foundation.  

The initiative is helping to increase access to publicly available Automated External Defibrillators – or AEDs – ensuring more communities are equipped with vital equipment that can make the difference in an emergency.  

Working closely with our colleagues in Platform Property Care, we have been installing defibrillators and upgrading cabinets at housing schemes and new developments.  The upgraded units now include essential bleed kits, further strengthening community safety provision. 

One of the latest installations took place at Clarence Park retirement village in Malvern, where a newly upgraded defibrillator cabinet and bleed kit were officially unveiled in April.  The event was attended by residents, Board members, local representatives,, the charity’s ambassadors and music band Molly Gone Mad, Jay’s Mum Naomi and local councillor Marilyn Birks.  

The work forms part of our partnership with the OurJay Foundation, which was established in memory of 18 year old Jamie Rees, known as Jay, who tragically died following a cardiac arrest.  The Foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness and access to defibrillators to help save lives.  

Naomi Rees-Issitt, Jay’s Mum and the founder of the OurJay Foundation who spoke at the event said: “Every second counts in a cardiac emergency and having a defibrillator nearby can make all the difference.  We are incredibly proud to be working with Platform to make these devices more accessible in communities.  

“This partnership means more people have a chance of survival and it ensures Jay’s legacy continues to make a real lasting difference.”  

Councillor Marilyn Birks – who has played a leading role in having defibrillators purchased and located across Malvern as well as ensuring people are trained in how to use them - said: “It’s fantastic to see this kind of investment in community safety here in Malvern.  Having accessible defibrillators and bleed kits in residential areas provides reassurance for residents and could ultimately save lives.  

“This is a great example of organisations working together to support and protect local communities.”  

Sarah Sutton, our Director of New Customers and Specialist Housing said: “This partnership is about making a real difference in the communities we serve.  By installing defibrillators and bleed kits in our neighbourhoods, we’re helping to create safer places to live and giving residents greater confidence that support is there in an emergency.  

“It’s also about working together – with organisations like the OurJay Foundation – to raise awareness and ensure more people have the knowledge and tools to act when it matters most.”  

We are the first housing association to partner with the OurJay Foundation and have committed to installing defibrillators across our existing homes and future developments, helping to create safer neighbourhoods.  Currently 15 have been installed – with nine of these having been used – with plans to install another seven.  

The initiative goes beyond installation, with ongoing work to raise awareness and provide training to customers and colleagues, ensuring more people have the confidence to respond in an emergency.  

By combining investment in equipment with education and community engagement, the partnership is already making a meaningful impact and plans are in place to continue rolling out across the region.  

The OurJay Foundation has installed a total of 355 defibrillators in the last four years since Jamie’s death.  

For more information on the OurJay Foundation and its work, visit www.ourjay.org.uk.  

Photo caption : l to r, (back row) Aidan Billington, Qualifying Supervisor, Platform Housing Group; Haydn Hobbs, Health and Safety Manager, Platform Housing Group; Joe Henshaw, Service Manager, Platform Housing Group; Oli, Molly Gone Mad; Sam Beattie, Molly Gone Mad; Tony King, Board Member, Platform Housing Group; Chris Pinson-Bradley, Community Engagement Manager, Platform Housing Group; (front row), l to r, Tracey Brand, Trustee, the OurJay Foundation; Naomi Rees-Issitt, Founder of the OurJay Foundation and Malvern Town Councillor Marilyn Birks.