Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, occurring without warning in homes, workplaces and public spaces. Tens of thousands of people experience a cardiac arrest in the community each year, and survival relies entirely on how quickly someone calls 999, begins CPR and uses a defibrillator. Public access defibrillators are simple devices that can deliver a controlled shock to help restart the heart, and when they are used within the first three to five minutes of collapse, survival rates can increase dramatically.  Despite this, research shows that public defibrillators are only used in around ten percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests where one is available, highlighting a significant gap between availability and action. Many people remain unsure about how to use a defibrillator or do not realise how essential they are, while others face barriers due to device location or lack of visibility.  These challenges underline why awareness, accessibility and confidence are crucial in improving outcomes for people who suffer a cardiac arrest in the community.

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Although more than 100,000 defibrillators are now registered across the UK, coverage is uneven and some areas still lack readily accessible devices. Rural communities often experience longer emergency service response times, making early CPR and local access to defibrillators even more critical.  Ensuring these devices are placed visibly, maintained properly and supported by community awareness can significantly improve survival rates and strengthen what health experts refer to as the chain of survival.

At Mitchell Associates, community support has always been central to our values. Over the years, we have raised funds for charities including Breast Cancer Awareness, Help for Heroes and several local causes. This year, with growing national attention on heart health issues and widely publicised cardiac emergencies in both professional sport and everyday life, we felt compelled to contribute in a meaningful way. As a result, we created the Mitchell Associates Defibrillator Fund, known as MADF, which is dedicated to placing life-saving defibrillators directly into our local community.

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The Mitchell Associates Defibrillator Fund will allow community organisations to apply for a defibrillator package. We will cover the cost of the defibrillator, cabinet and delivery, while applicants ensure the device is installed in a publicly accessible space, properly maintained and available for community use. Applications will be reviewed fairly, with priority given to organisations that can demonstrate clear community benefit and commit to ongoing care of the equipment. Recipients must also permit the use of their installation for future MADF promotional activity, helping us raise awareness and encourage further community engagement.

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Throughout the year, we will run fundraising events to support as many applications as possible. While we cannot fund unlimited installations in each round, we strongly encourage organisations to reapply in future rounds if they are not selected initially. Round 2 opens 6th of February 2026 and the deadline for applications is 30 April 2026, and we look forward to receiving submissions from groups across the region who share our commitment to improving community safety. Anyone seeking further information or wishing to apply can contact enquiries@mitchell-associates.co.uk.

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By increasing the number of publicly accessible defibrillators, we are helping to give more people a fighting chance in the most critical of moments. Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, anywhere and at any time, and having a defibrillator close by can mean the difference between life and death. Through the Mitchell Associates Defibrillator Fund, we hope to empower our communities, raise awareness of heart health and contribute to a safer and more resilient future for everyone.