Date published: 11 April 2025
The new equipment installed last month at Burton Gardens in Hereford, a scheme managed by leading social housing provider Stonewater, ensures that customers, staff and members of the community have access to emergency medical assistance in case of a cardiac arrest.
Residents at Burton Gardens, which consists of 60 spacious one- and two-bedroom bungalows, first proposed the idea of installing a defibrillator on site before efforts were made to secure funding.
GB Group, a Stonewater contractor, then stepped forward to provide and install the equipment as part of its Social Value and Investment initiative.
Nicola White, a customer at Burton Gardens, says the addition has enhanced the peace of mind of the elderly community there.
She said: “We asked for a defibrillator on site after a traumatic incident with a neighbour and the nearest defibrillator being too far away in the village.
“I’d like to say thank you to Stonewater and GB Group for sorting this out so quickly; it’s something that we really feel is necessary in places where lots of elderly people are living”.
Helen Saunders, another Stonewater customer and parish councillor, added: “The defibrillator will be a great reassurance to those living there. We’re grateful for the partnership and community work that led to its installation.”
Hannah Saltonstall, Stonewater’s Strategic Partnership Manager, who worked with GB Group to secure the defibrillator, is now working towards getting more installed at other retirement living schemes, bringing further safety and reassurance to customers.
She said: “This project underscores our commitment to providing a safer environment and enhancing the well-being of our community. It has been an important step towards greater health security and peace of mind for everyone at Burton Gardens, and we hope to replicate that across other schemes.
“We’d like to thank GB Group for supporting this project as part of its social value work; it really shows the value of strong partnerships and focus on community outcomes.”