Published: Wednesday, 25th October 2023
A scheme that has increased the amount of lifesaving defibrillators across west Norfolk will close at the end of October, but a national scheme will remain open.
The borough council funded the whole cost of the defibrillators up to a maximum grant of £1,000 and has seen 15 defibrillators installed in west Norfolk since the scheme was launched in February 2023. Applicants could still choose more expensive models and make up the difference. The only commitment required from applicants was that they should identify a location, ensure any planning requirements were met, and agree to meet running costs (usually <£50 per year). The cost of the scheme was met by the borough council’s Small Projects Fund.
By purchasing defibrillators through a third party, the process was quick and easy for parish councils, community groups and charities to apply. Applications were managed on the council’s behalf by Norfolk Community Foundation. Organisations can still apply through the local scheme until 31 October 2023 or can apply for funding through the national scheme.
At the end of June, the Government announced that they were inviting bids for a £1M defibrillator fund. Community organisations can apply for funding for an automated external defibrillator (AED). An estimated 1,000 new defibrillators are expected to be provided across the country from this new fund. More details are available here gov.uk/government/news/bids-invited-for-1-million-defibrillator-fund.