A CHARITY for people with disabilities has launched a fundraising campaign to buy life-saving equipment.

Spiral Sussex wants to purchase an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for its day care centre.

The Brighton-based charity provides wellbeing services to adults with disabilities across the county and while there are trained first aiders on site, it says an AED is best for emergencies.

"Defibrillators are great because they're designed for anyone to use them - you don't need training, the instructions are very clear, and they will only shock the person if they can't detect a normal heartbeat. It's very difficult to get it wrong," said project co-ordinator Ellen Musgrove.

According to the Resuscitation Council UK there are about 60,000 cases of sudden cardiac arrest in the UK yearly and fewer than one in ten people survive when this happens outside a hospital.

The chance of survival is reduced by ten per cent for every minute defibrillation is delayed.

READ MORE: Brighton charity Spiral Sussex struggles during Covid-19

The charity wants to buy an AED from the British Heart Foundation. They cost about £1,400, so it is now hoping for help from the public.

Ellen said: "Any donation, no matter how large or small, is a step on the road to giving our service users the safest environment possible."

Spiral has been struggling for funding throughout the pandemic and manager Chris Page previously told The Argus he fears for its future as it is still "watching every penny".

The Argus:

A range of services are offered at the day centre in Bevendean, including training courses, trips out and many media-related activities such as an on-site radio station.

There has been an significant increase in demand for the charity as many day centres for adults with learning disabilities have been unable to reopen after lockdown.

It was able to stay afloat last year due to emergency funding from the National Lottery and the government, but the end of the furlough scheme in recent months has led to further financial pressures for the charity.

People can donate to the AED fundraiser at www.givey.com/spiralsussexaed

If you would like to volunteer at the charity, visit the Spiral Sussex website.

 

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