Uckfield & Area Community Defibrillator Public Consultation

Have Your Say: Help Us Build a Heart-Safe Uckfield and Surrounding Communities

Uckfield & Area Community First Responders are embarking on an ambitious five-year community defibrillator project, and we need the support, knowledge and involvement of local people to make it a success.

Our charity is hosting a public consultation to share our vision for improving access to lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across Uckfield and the surrounding villages.

Why is this important?

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Early CPR and access to a defibrillator can significantly improve their chances of survival.

Around 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home, yet many publicly accessible defibrillators are located in town centres, commercial premises or locations that may not be accessible 24 hours a day.

We want to change that by working with residents, community organisations, local businesses and councils to identify residential areas where additional defibrillators could make a real difference.

What will the consultation cover?

During the evening, representatives from Uckfield & Area Community First Responders will explain our five-year strategy, including:

* Installing additional publicly accessible, 24/7 defibrillators in areas of greatest community need.
* Identifying potential locations using local knowledge and existing defibrillator provision.
* Recruiting volunteer Defibrillator Guardians to help ensure equipment remains ready for use.
* Expanding community awareness, CPR education and defibrillator familiarisation.
* Working with residents’ associations, community groups and local businesses to support fundraising and long-term sustainability.

Your Voice Matters

This is not simply a presentation about what our charity intends to do. We genuinely want local people to influence how the project develops.

Whether you’re a resident who knows an area without a nearby defibrillator, a community group interested in supporting the project, or a business that could help with funding or hosting equipment, we’d love to hear from you.

The consultation is free to attend, and refreshments will be available, with a suggested £2 donation.

Reserve Your Place

To help us manage attendance and confirm numbers with Uckfield Town Council, we kindly ask everyone planning to attend to book their place in advance.

Email jake@uckfieldcfrs.org or reserve your free ticket through Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003310991102

You don’t need any medical knowledge or experience to take part. Just an interest in helping make your community safer.

Together, we can create a network of lifesaving equipment and community support that will benefit Uckfield and the surrounding areas for years to come.