On 14 October, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) visited Friends of Fareham, a memory support group in Hampshire, to share valuable information about ambulance services and help members, friends and carers feel more confident about what to do in an emergency.
The session was led by Lynn Dove-Dixon, Public Governor for Hampshire, and Su Lancashire, Community First Responder, who delivered engaging and informative talks covering the 999. NHS 111 and Patient Transport Services, how SCAS operates, and the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency.
Members had the opportunity to ask questions and take part in practical demonstrations of CPR and how to use a defibrillator. Several attendees also tried their hand at CPR using training mannequins, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Lynn Dove-Dixon said: “This is a great opportunity to engage with and empower local communities, helping people better understand our services and giving them the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.”
The visit received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with the group praising the enthusiasm and knowledge of both speakers.
The session also inspired members to take practical steps to improve their preparedness for emergencies. The group plans to encourage carers to install the what3words app, which can help emergency services identify precise locations, and to ensure emergency contact details and relevant medical information are readily accessible on their phones.
Friends of Fareham expressed their gratitude to both speakers and said they would be delighted to welcome them back for another session.
The visit highlights SCAS’s commitment to engaging with local communities, sharing lifesaving knowledge and helping people feel more informed, confident and empowered.
A big thank you to Friends of Fareham for their warm welcome, and to Lynn and Su for giving their time to support this valuable community engagement session.