A group which supports the ambulance service by providing a quick response to life-threatening emergencies has received £17,510 from the GDF programme.
The Gosforth and District Community First Responder Group, which has 15 volunteer members, is delighted to be able to replace its aging life-saving kit and buy new equipment.
The group was set up in 2002 for the Gosforth area and covers around 105 square miles. There are members throughout the patch, which includes Calderbridge, Gosforth, Seascale, Wasdale and surrounding areas.
Team Leader Stuart Robb said: “Due to the nature of our rural communities, ambulance response times can be lengthy. Community First Responders are able to attend more quickly from within the community and treat the patient until the ambulance arrives.
“This intervention can be critical when the patient has a life-threatening condition. The Responders are part of the process that looks after the health and wellbeing of their community.”
A population of around 4,000 is served by the team but there is also a seasonal influx of some 100,000 tourists, said Stuart, who is also Chairman and trustee of the Gosforth and District First Responder Charitable Trust, a registered charity.
Some of the kit used by the team was up to 20 years old and the Community Investment Funding grant awarded by the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership has provided every team member with a brand new full operational kit, a new lightweight summer hi-vis vest and a vehicle identification sign, plus other equipment.
Stuart added: “We’ve also replaced an aging laptop and display monitor and bought a power bank to allow us to use our IT and Bluetooth equipment at remote locations as well as at training sessions for both the team and the public.
“Being primarily a self-funding group, we are always grateful to organisations that are prepared to consider making grants available to us and this grant has ensured that we are able to have equipment that will allow us to continue for years to come.
“Thank you to the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership for this award.”
Learn more about Community Investment Funding and how to apply here.
Community Investment Funding – what has been awarded so far in year 3?
Funding totalling £428,281 has been awarded from the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership from the GDF programme as of beginning of May and there are a lot more grants currently being signed off:
West Cumbria Domestic Violence: £10,000, towards a counselling project.
Seascale Events: £2,190 for Seascale Gala Week.
Gosforth Parish Council: £12,000 towards Gosforth Public Hall refurbishment design.
Egremont & Area Regen Partnership: £24,360 for Florence Arts Centre to grow creative opportunities for Mid Copeland.
Calderbridge and Ponsonby Village Hall: £196,018 (incl contingency of £25,419) for renovation work, including a new roof.
Centre for Leadership Performance: £7,920 for a 12-week Bright Stars programme in four schools.
Beckermet Village Association: £5,420 for the purchase and installation of a defibrillator at Beckermet Reading Rooms.
Lake District National Park Authority: £41,850 towards a Wasdale Valley community shuttle bus service.
Gosforth Agricultural Show: £5,764 for hire of Rural Enterprise marquee and show equipment.
The current year also includes two funding commitments awarded during Year 2 totalling £122,759 that were allocated from the Year 3 funding. These are:
Shackles Off: £110,379 for new youth centre.
Mental Health North West CIC: £12,380, for the creation of wellness walks groups.