HFT is a national charity, with an autonomous branch operating at Greenfield Community Centre on Green Lane in Blackburn. HFT is responsible for the operation of events, hire and subletting of the facilities at the centre.
HFT provides services for people with learning disabilities throughout the local area. Providing support from a couple of hours a week, to 24 hours a day. Services include Supported Living, Residential Care, and Short Break services. They empower people to make their own choices, including finding a job, building friendships and relationships and participating in activities.
Greenfield Community Centre is a multi use site that benefits the local community. Within the centre there are community activities that include music, drama, IT, Catering and Dance. There is also a community café and user groups including Yoga, Tai chi, Archery, Majorettes ,Karate and a Pensioners club. There is also a fully operational Children’s nursery.
Due to the large footfall and the vulnerability of some of the service users of the centre along with the activities that they are involved in the need for a site defibrillator to potentially save a service user’s life was established.
An application was made to the East Lancashire Masonic Charity for the funding of a defibrillator, a storage case and training. The total grant was for £1120.00.
After the defibrillator had been delivered to the centre East Ribble District’s Deputy Chairman WBro David McGurty skilfully installed the case whilst the District Charity Steward WBro Mike Stubbs provided less skilfull support.