Red Sky Foundation is proud to be partnering with Karbon Homes to install life-saving defibrillators across all 38 of Karbon Homes' over-55s housing schemes throughout the North East.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to £34,000 of funding through Karbon Homes’ Unlocking Social Value Fund, alongside £28,000 of match funding from Red Sky Foundation. The project is another example of how the vital funds raised through the charity’s renowned Red Sky Supporters are reinvested directly back into communities to help save lives.
The scheme will provide publicly accessible defibrillators to communities stretching from Middlesbrough to Northumberland, helping to ensure more people have access to potentially life-saving equipment in an emergency.
Every minute matters during a cardiac arrest, and having a defibrillator nearby can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival. Defibrillators work by delivering an electric shock to restart the heart and restore a normal rhythm while emergency services are on their way. When used within the first three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest, survival rates can increase significantly – from less than 10% to as high as 50-70%.
That is why partnerships like this are so important.
Karbon Homes has responded directly to requests from residents by taking proactive steps to support both customers and the wider community. Alongside the installation of the devices, colleagues across the housing schemes are also being trained and upskilled on how to use the equipment, helping to build confidence and awareness within local communities.
The project will also see Karbon Homes become guardians of the defibrillators already installed across their supported housing schemes, ensuring each device is maintained, monitored and always ready should it ever be needed.
Residents have already spoken of the reassurance that comes from knowing the equipment is available not only for those living within the schemes, but also for surrounding communities who may need urgent access during an emergency.
Founded in 2020 by Sunderland couple Sergio Petrucci and Emma Petrucci, Red Sky Foundation supports babies, children and adults living with complex heart conditions, while also raising awareness around cardiac arrest, organ donation and heart disease.
Speaking about the partnership, Sergio Petrucci MBE, Founder of Red Sky Foundation, said: “It’s inspiring to see organisations like Karbon Homes taking such meaningful action to protect the health and wellbeing of both their residents and the wider community. Together, we are helping to create safer spaces and ultimately save lives. We’re looking forward to a long lasting continued partnership.”
Red Sky Foundation is always looking to work alongside businesses and organisations that want to make a meaningful difference within their communities. Through the charity’s Charity of the Year initiative and community partnership programmes, organisations can help fund vital projects, raise awareness and support life-saving work across the region.
If your organisation would like to partner with Red Sky Foundation in a similar way and make a positive impact within your community, please contact the team at info@redskyfoundation.com