Salford Community Leisure install life-saving devices with the help of Salford housing associations

Salford housing associations have contributed to a life-saving initiative at leisure centres across the city.

With the support of donations from Salix Homes and ForHousing, Salford Community Leisure (SCL) received vital funding to install and upgrade nine new life saving defibrillators (de-fibs) within their leisure centres.

These life-saving devices replace older equipment, which has already proven critical in several emergency situations. SCL’s effective use of defibrillators has helped save numerous lives within the community.

SCL have also donated their old defibrillators to the North West Ambulance Service which will re-distribute them to other community groups across Greater Manchester, further extending the reach of this vital equipment.

SCL Sport and Leisure Manager, Paul Bland said: “Easily accessible defibrillators are vital within the community because they significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing a medical emergency. Placing defibrillators in public spaces ensures that people can act swiftly, potentially saving lives when seconds matter.

“Without the assistance from Salix Homes and ForHousing, funding the new equipment would have been more challenging. These new units will give us peace of mind for several years to come.”

The defibrillator at Irlam and Cadishead Leisure Centre was recently used in a life-saving emergency. During the incident, a passer-by flagged down the duty manager as a member of the public had suddenly collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest on the main road outside.

The duty manager raced to the scene with the defibrillator in hand. He delivered three shocks with CPR in between from two nurses who also happened to be passing by. He was then placed in the recovery position until the paramedics and ambulance arrived just minutes later. Thanks to their swift actions and the life-saving equipment, the man’s life was saved and he is now back at home recovering after an operation.

Salix Homes donated £1,500 as part of our Springboard Community Fund which provides much-needed cash injections to local projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve the environment.

Sian Grant, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Salix Homes, said:

“We’re so pleased that we’ve able to support Salford Community Leisure in securing new life-saving defibrillators in local leisure centres. The recent incident where a passer-by was saved using the defibrillator just goes to prove the critical importance of having these life-saving devices readily available.

“Every second counts in an emergency situation, and we’d encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the locations of these defibrillators and feel empowered to act when it matters most.”

ForHousing donated £1,600 towards installing and upgrading the new equipment. Martyn Hague, Executive Director of Customer at ForHousing, said:

“We’re proud to support Salford Community Leisure in securing new defibrillators across the city’s leisure centres.

“These life-saving devices are an invaluable resource and having them readily available ensures that people can act quickly in emergencies, as demonstrated by the recent incident at Irlam and Cadishead Leisure Centre.

“At ForHousing, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our tenants and the communities we serve, and initiatives like this are a great example of that in action.”

The new defibs can be found at: 

• Broughton Leisure Centre
• Cleavley Athletics Track
• Eccles Leisure Centre
• Irlam & Cadishead Leisure Centre
• Ordsall Leisure Centre
• Salford Sports Village
• Salford Watersports Centre
• Swinton & Pendlebury Leisure Centre
• Worsley Leisure Centre

Salford Community Leisure is committed to enhancing the physical and cultural wellbeing of the community through the sport, library and cultural opportunities they offer across over 60 venues, which attract millions of customer visits each year. To find out more about Salford Community Leisure  and what they offer visit the Salford Community Leisure website.

To apply for a Springboard grant, visit the Springboard Community Fund pages on our website.