At Start a Heart Southend, we are proud to have a dedicated team of trustees. Today we sit down with Phil Stepney, the Chair of our Trustee Board.
In this post, you’ll learn more about his role and motivations. We also ask a few questions to understand the charity’s mission to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest in the Southend-on-Sea community.
Q: Phil, why did you decide to get involved with Start a Heart Southend?
Phil:
I believe it’s a really good community project. Start a Heart Southend is vital because defibrillators are proven to save lives. Southend City is a popular place for visitors, with millions of people coming here each year, and ensuring defibs are easily accessible in public spaces can make all the difference in an emergency. I got involved with this project as a Rotarian to help make Southend a safer place for both locals and visitors. This Charity is the next step in securing the future of these defibrillators.
Q: What motivates you to keep going, especially in a volunteer role?
Phil:
It’s simple: I love helping other people. I’ve always believed in giving back to the community, and this is an area I’m passionate about. When people are trained in CPR and defibs are easily accessible, it increases survival chances. The idea that I can help save lives through this work is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background. How did you get to this point?
Phil:
I’ve had a long career in social care, so this work is close to my heart. I worked for Southend Borough (now City) Council for many years eventually becoming the Director of Social Care, and I also held a non-executive role with the NHS.
Since retiring, I’ve found charity work particularly rewarding, and I’m able to combine my expertise in public health and community service with a cause that has a direct impact on people’s lives.
Q: How long have you been involved with Start a Heart Southend?
Phil:
I’ve been involved with the Defibrillator project since it commenced, was one of the founding members of Start a Heart Southend and I’ve been serving as a trustee and Chair since it began. I also oversee six out of the 12 defibrillators we manage in Southend as part of my volunteer role. It’s both a trustee and volunteer position, which means I get to actively contribute to both the management of defibs and the strategic direction of the charity.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
Phil:
In my spare time, I’m a big fan of photography, reading, and walking. My wife and I love traveling, especially to the USA, where we can spend quality time with family. When I’m not working with Start a Heart Southend, these activities allow me to recharge and stay connected with the things I love. You can see Phil’s photography work here.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you face with the charity, and how can the public help?
Phil:
One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that all defibrillators are properly maintained and easily accessible.
This is a huge undertaking, but it’s critical. We already have some wonderful volunteers bit we really need more , and local business partnerships to support us in keeping our defibs operational.
Every contribution helps, whether it’s time, money, or simply spreading the word.
Q: What would you like the community to take away from Start a Heart Southend’s work?
Phil:
I want the community to feel confident that they have the tools and knowledge to act when someone needs help.
We want everyone to know where their nearest defib is and how to use it. Our mission is simple: if we can educate and equip people with the right tools, we can save lives.
Get Involved
Start a Heart Southend relies on the support of volunteers, local businesses, and the community to keep its life-saving work going. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, or simply learning more about the work we do, please get in touch by dropping us an email to Phil or Janice at info@startaheartsouthend.org.uk
Final Thoughts from Phil
“I’ve always believed that we have a responsibility to look out for one another, and Start a Heart Southend gives me the chance to contribute in a meaningful way. The more people who get involved, the more lives we can save.”
Contact Us
- Email: info@startaheartsouthend.org.uk
- Website: startaheartsouthend.org.uk
- Facebook Group
- Charity Number: 1212779
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