A new community defibrillator has been installed at the Bishop Auckland Homeless Hub, part of Cornerstone Supported Housing and Counselling, following a recent medical emergency that highlighted gaps in local access to life-saving equipment.
During the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), an individual accessing support at the hub suffered a cardiac arrest. Staff, all trained in advanced first aid, acted immediately while being supported by a 999 call handler and awaiting the arrival of emergency services.
However, the nearest publicly accessible 24-hour defibrillator was not located within immediate reach.
The incident raised serious concerns about accessibility. Within a 600-metre radius of the hub, 10 defibrillators are registered—but only a limited number are accessible at all times. Five are restricted by opening hours, and three community defibrillators were unavailable at the time.
Thanks to the swift response of staff and the NHS ambulance service, the individual made a full recovery.
The experience has led to action. In partnership with Missed A Beat, a new publicly accessible defibrillator has now been installed at the hub, helping to improve emergency response provision in the area—particularly important given the hub’s location near the town’s new bus station.
The project has been supported by Bishop Auckland Town Council, who generously donated £1,000 through their Community Fund scheme.
Georgina Mawson, housing and communities lead said: “This incident highlighted how critical access to defibrillators is, particularly outside of standard hours. We’re proud to now have a fully accessible unit in place and to be working with partners who are committed to improving provision across the town.
“A special thank you is extended to Mayor Sam Zair and Bishop Auckland Town Council for their continued support, and to Missed A Beat for their partnership in delivering this vital resource.”
Since January 2026, 386 individuals have attended the hub for support, 99 people have presented as homeless and 21 individuals have been supported into housing.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
