VONNE is working in partnership with North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) NHS Foundation Trust to support connection with VCSE organisations so they can access and help expand the network of community public access defibrillators (cPADs), which are a vital link in the chain of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest.
The programme will increase the number of defibrillators available in communities across the North East, as well as training people to use them. The aim is to ensure that more residents can access a defibrillator quickly in an emergency.
Every minute counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and immediate access to CPR and defibrillation can make the difference between life and death. With around 80% of cardiac arrests occurring at home, access to nearby, registered public defibrillators is critical.
Paul Brolly, community resuscitation development officer at NEAS said: “Early access to defibrillation can double a person’s chance of survival. By partnering with VONNE and community organisations, we’re building a stronger, more resilient emergency response network across the North East.”
There are currently 4,121 cPADs registered in the North East. In the last year, 6,525 cPADs were retrieved for life-threatening emergencies in the region.
Lisa Taylor, health and wellbeing programme director at VONNE said: “By working together with local volunteers, community organisations and NEAS, we can make sure that lifesaving equipment is available where it’s needed most.”
It is also hoped that the programme of work will improve public health awareness and tackle health inequalities, as well as supporting greater collaboration between the voluntary sector, the NHS, and local groups.
Each new cPAD site will be strategically placed across the region to make sure they are in areas which currently don’t have access, registered on The Circuit (the UK’s national defibrillator network), and will be supported by local volunteer guardians who will maintain the equipment long-term.
Each participating community group or organisation can apply for funding to establish a cPAD site, covering vital lifesaving equipment, registration, and training.
If you are a VCSE organisation or community group interested in taking part, please email paul.brolly@neas.nhs.uk for further information by Monday 5th January 2026.