The objectives of the charity was to save lives, to raise and advance awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) by providing FREE screening services to young adults and the general public. In addition, the charity provided advocacy, advice and information to promote healthy lifestyle choices, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) education and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) awareness, in order to support its main charitable objectives.
The charity had three main aims:
1. Save lives:
We operated a screening programme available to all communities throughout the North West of England. The aim of our screening programme was to detect any undiagnosed heart conditions, or its risk factors, in young people aged between 16 and 35.
Every individual would undergo a blood pressure (BP) test, an ECG, an Echocardiogram (where necessary) and have a face to face consultation with a Consultant Cardiologist to discuss their test results, family history, lifestyle and any concerns - all within less than an hour. It is quick, non-invasive and the individuals receive their results immediately. Any abnormalities that were identified were discussed and individuals were channelled through their GP to hospital for further investigation and appropriate treatment.
2. Raise and advance awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death:
The charity raised awareness of the conditions that could lead to Sudden Cardiac Death and the screenings that were delivered, gave people a greater choice to get their hearts screened.
We, together with all our supporters, raised awareness of the charity and the need for people to get heart checked at every available opportunity via our screening days, fundraising events, our website, the VSF newsletter and all our social media sites. We also raised awareness by speaking to various businesses and companies when we were pitching to be their Charity of the Year.
3. Promoting healthier lifestyle choices and the allocation of free defibrillators in local communities
We Provided basic CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillation) awareness and education within local communities.
We achieved this by delivering life saving education, we have enabled the general public to help others in times of emergency
We have also donated a number of defibrillators to local communities.