Care Home Residents And School Pupils Fundraising Efforts Deliver Community Defibrillator

Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes announced the successful launch of its new community defibrillator, a crucial addition to the safety infrastructure of Broadstairs.

The unveiling event, held on Tuesday, 23rd July, brought together a vibrant community of residents, their families, and local dignitaries in a heartening demonstration of collective spirit and dedication to public health.

Community defibrillators play a crucial role in saving lives by providing immediate access to life-saving equipment in the event of a cardiac emergency. They enhance emergency response capabilities and contribute to a safer environment for everyone. Thanks to the generous £700 donation from Charles Dickens School and the £1100 raised by Chartwell House through various initiatives, this defibrillator has been made possible.

Special guests included Cllr Mike Garner, Mayor of Broadstairs & St. Peter’s Town Council who officially launched the community defibrillator, and Cllr Joanne Bright.

Councillor Bright, ahead of the event highlighted it’s significance, stating,
“What a brilliant example of community collaboration between old and young. I am very impressed with the enthusiasm for community engagement that the school leaders and pupils of Charles Dickens School have shown and I am also really heartened by the opportunities for community outreach being provided at Chartwell House. The happiest towns are where communities work together on shared endeavours!”

The event featured a comprehensive demonstration on the use of the defibrillator by St. John Ambulance, led by Area Manager Raymond Todd and his colleague Emily. Their expert guidance provided attendees with invaluable knowledge on how to operate the life-saving device in emergencies.

Diane Collins, Home Manager of Chartwell House, expressed her gratitude, saying,
“We are incredibly proud to finally unveil our community defibrillator. This achievement has been months in the making, thanks to the relentless fundraising efforts of our residents, their families, and our dedicated team. A special thanks to Vicky Gore, who has been instrumental in making this a reality.”

“With the generous £700 donation from Charles Dickens School and the £1100 raised by Chartwell House through various initiatives, we are confident this defibrillator will be a vital asset to our community. The device is now registered, and in the event of an emergency, the ambulance service will provide the location and PIN number needed to access it. We hope it serves our community well.”