A RUGBY mum’s campaign to bring life-saving equipment to the streets in memory of her son has been boosted by a new partnership with one of the UK’s largest social landlords.
Platform Housing Group has become the first housing association to partner with The OurJay Foundation, to help increase the number of Publicly Accessible Defibrillators (PADs) across the West Midlands and beyond.
Platform will review, upgrade and register its existing defibrillators, as well as install new ones at housing schemes and new developments.
The OurJay Foundation will also offer training in life-saving skills and the safe use of PADs to Platform staff and customers.
Naomi Rees-Issitt, who founded the charity in memory of her 18-year-old son Jamie ‘Jay’ Rees, said: “Jay’s cardiac arrest could not be prevented but having access to a defibrillator might have given him a chance to survive.
“Every second counts in a cardiac arrest and we are determined to make sure no other family has to go through what we’ve been through.
“Partnering with Platform means we can extend our reach, bringing more defibs into communities where they are needed most.”
Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer at Platform Housing Group said: “This partnership is about saving lives, supporting safer communities and making a lasting difference across our neighbourhoods.
“Installing and maintaining accessible defibrillators is a simple but powerful step, one we hope inspires other housing providers and organisations to follow suit.”
Visit www.ourjay.org.uk for more information on the OurJay Foundation.
