Why We Exist
Someone in Southend may or may not have a cardiac arrest this month. Maybe at the shops. Maybe at the football. Maybe walking their dog.
They’ll collapse. Someone will panic. Someone will call 999. And what happens next comes down to two things:
Is there a defibrillator nearby?
Does anyone know how to use it?
That’s what we’re here to fix.
What We Actually Do
We’re a small charity that maintains 12 public defibrillators across Southend. We check them every week – pads, batteries, cabinet lights…to make sure they’re ready when someone needs them.
We also assist with CPR awareness sessions currently run by the Carli Lindsey Foundation. Not formal courses, just the basics: push hard, push fast, centre of the chest. Because most people freeze in an emergency, and we want them to know they can help.
When Rotary started this project in 2019 there were only 2 registered defibrillators in the whole of the Southend area. The 12 defibrillators were strategically placed in accordance with recommended guidelines. Since Rotary installed this network a number of other defibrillators have sprung up across the City area.
Start a Heart Southend Charity
How This Started
The Rotary Clubs of Leigh-on-Sea and Thorpe Bay together with The Carli Lansley Foundation funded and installed the defibrillators . Not because anyone asked them to—just because someone had to. But defibrillators need checking. Pads expire. Batteries run out. Cabinets get damaged.
Rotarians have been involved in the checking and maintenance since they were installed. However, amongst a few dedicated Rotarians this was becoming more difficult as there is more to maintaining the project than the regular checks. It became clear that we needed more volunteers and from a younger age group to ensure the work goes on for many years ahead.
In 2025, we became an official charity (No. 1212779) to provide more certainty for the future with just this specific project in mind: maintain what’s already there, replace outdated equipment , and make sure people actually know they exist.
Why It Matters
Without CPR and a defib: 6% survival rate from cardiac arrest.
With CPR and a defib within minutes: 50% survival rate.
That’s not a small difference. That’s someone’s dad coming home instead of not coming home.
Every minute without help, survival drops by 10%. Ambulances are fast, but they’re not instant. A defib 30 seconds away vs 10 minutes away is the difference.
The defibs we maintain aren’t theoretical. They get used. They save lives.
What We’ve Done So Far
- 12 defibrillators maintained across Southend
- Weekly Checks on every single one
- Assisting with CPR awareness sessions at local businesses, schools, and community groups
We’re small. We’re volunteer-run. But we’re keeping people alive.
Who We Are
Phil – Chair of Trustees. Involved with the project since it’s inception, Checks defibs, works with volunteers to explain maintenance roles
John – Involved since the project’s inception. Has overseen all work for a number of years including recovering missing defibs, repairing cabinets and locks, liaising with The Circuit . Has been doing this longer than most people have known what a defib is.
Our volunteers – The people who check defibs in the even in the rain, act as Trustees, post on social media, help raise funds and actually make this work.
We’re not healthcare professionals. We’re just people who live here and want o help our community with a cause for something preventable.
How You Can Help
Volunteer
We need people to check defibs this is a weekly task but we now have rotas of volunteers to reduce the frequency, help with fundraising, or just spread the word. Email: info@startaheartsouthend.org.uk
Become a Trustee
We need younger people who can take this forward for the next decade. Business experience, fundraising skills, or just a willingness to help—get in touch.
Tell People Where the Defibs Are
Most people in Southend don’t know where their nearest one is. Share our map. Post in your local Facebook group. Talk about it.
We’re trying to keep people alive with a handful of volunteers and zero full-time staff. Our organisers aren’t getting any younger. We need help.
But here’s what keeps us going: it works.
The defibs we maintain have been used. People are alive because a bright yellow box was there when they needed it.
That’s why we do this.
Start a Heart Southend
Charity Number: 1212779
Email: info@startaheartsouthend.org.uk