Northamptonshire Community Foundation Community Hero of the Week
Guardians of Winwick is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and safety of residents in the village of Winwick. Through community-led initiatives and fundraising, they work to ensure that vital resources are available locally, helping the village remain a safe and connected place to live.
The group has recently replaced the village’s automatic external defibrillator (AED), which was originally installed over a decade ago and had reached the end of its serviceable life. AEDs are critical pieces of emergency equipment that can help save lives during a cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
A £1,390 grant from the Winwick Wind Farm Fund, awarded via Northamptonshire Community Foundation, supported the purchase of the new defibrillator, along with essential accessories and training for local residents. The training was offered to members of The Guardians of Winwick, volunteers and other villagers who may be called upon to use the device in an emergency.
Designed to be interactive and accessible rather than a formal classroom course, the training helped build confidence and ensured the community feels prepared to act if needed.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s largest independent grant maker, having given more than £24 million in grants since its inception in 2001. This year marks an exciting milestone for NCF – 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs. Building on this, NCF is also looking 25 years ahead, with bold ambition for a fairer, thriving and more connected county for generations to come. Their latest Impact Report is ready to read here.