A COMMUNITY group based in north Monmouthshire has just been awarded charity status, allowing them to continue with their aim to install publicly accessible defibrillators (AEDs) at suitable locations, train people how to use them and develop local ‘help in a crisis’ networks.

The Village Life community project, based in the Llangattock Vibon Avel district, has already installed the first of three defibrillators at Skenfrith Village Hall. Another owned by the Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club in The Hendre is publicly available as part of the scheme. Two others are shortly due to be in position at Cross Ash Primary School and the old BT phone box in Maypole. All these locations will be registered with Welsh Ambulance for use in emergency. Redundant phone boxes have the advantage of a central location and an electricity supply, and are available for adoption by local authorities and community groups with charity status. In principle BT are also willing to continue providing the unmetered electricity supply for seven years.

Besides adoption of phone boxes charity status has other important benefits for the project. It reassures the community that the purpose and aims of the project have passed scrutiny by the Charity Commission. It also helps in grant applications, further fundraising and enables participation in the HMRC’s Gift Aid scheme.

Besides success in gaining a BHF grant for the three AEDs, the project has mounted a campaign to engage support in the community. Over 120 people have now registered their support and interest in the project.

Four members of the team have been trained by Welsh Ambulance to deliver their approved CPR and AED course. These training sessions have now started and will be running in each local community over the autumn and winter, with registered supporters being contacted directly. Anyone interested in acquiring these basic lifesaving skills should email [email protected], or ring the project secretary on 01600 228957.