A new community defibrillator has now been installed at Sainsbury Hall in Minehead (TA24 8JZ), helping to improve access to vital, potentially life‑saving equipment for local residents.
Defibrillators play a crucial role in medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest and can make a significant difference before paramedics arrive. This unit is available for anyone in the community to use in an emergency, with access provided by contacting the emergency services, who will issue the code needed to open the cabinet.
The installation was made possible after the Minehead Defibrillator Group approached LiveWest as part of their work to ensure that a defibrillator is never far away, no matter where someone is in Minehead. The group identified Sainsbury Hall as an ideal location due to its central position within a large residential area, including many LiveWest homes.
By locating the defibrillator at the hall, the project provides reassurance for residents living on the west side of Minehead and improves local emergency preparedness. The initiative delivers maximum community benefit while keeping costs to a minimum, demonstrating the value of partnership working between community groups and housing providers.
LiveWest was pleased to support the project by granting permission for the defibrillator to be installed on Sainsbury Hall and helping to make emergency support more accessible for people living nearby.
Shona Stone, our Community Connector for the area, said: “We’re really proud to see the new defibrillator installed at Sainsbury Hall, and we’d like to thank the Minehead Defibrillator Group for approaching us and making this possible.
“By working together, we’ve enhanced safety for local residents and provided real reassurance, knowing this life saving equipment is there should anyone ever need it.”
The Minehead Defibrillator Group supplied the defibrillator unit and continue to take full responsibility for its maintenance and servicing, ensuring it remains ready for use at all times. Meanwhile LiveWest will supply the emergency power and undertook the installation on the building to ensure the equipment is safely housed and operational should it ever be needed.
LiveWest is proud to support community led initiatives like this one, helping local organisations make a real difference in the places our customers call home.