30th July 2025
We’re proud to partner with AEDdonate to install defibrillators at or near each of our six branches - part of our ongoing commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities.
At the Vernon, our commitment to community wellbeing goes far beyond financial services. We believe that being a truly community-focused organisation means taking meaningful action to protect and support the people who live and work in the areas we serve. That’s why we’re proud to support the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at or near each of our six branches - a vital, potentially life-saving initiative made possible with the charity AEDdonate.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and it can strike without warning. When it does, every second counts. Immediate access to a defibrillator can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. AEDs are designed to be used by members of the public, with clear instructions and voice prompts that guide users through the process - no medical training required. By making these devices publicly accessible 24/7, we’re helping ensure that life-saving support is never out of reach in an emergency.
We’ve installed six defibrillators throughout Stockport, five of which are situated closely to our following branches: St Petersgate (Head Office), Marple, Hazel Grove, Reddish, Bramhall. As there was already a defibrillator installed near our Poynton branch, we identified Heaton Moor as an area that needed an AED, so we had one installed near the Savoy Cinema.
Each AED is registered with local emergency services, meaning that if someone calls 999 in a cardiac emergency, the operator can direct them to the nearest available device. These defibrillators are checked daily and undergo annual maintenance to ensure they’re always ready to use.
If you would like to know where your local defibrillator is, take a look at AEDdonate’s ‘Defib Finder’ here.
This initiative has been made possible through our partnership with AEDdonate, a UK-based charity dedicated to increasing public access to defibrillators and raising awareness about cardiac health. Their mission is to improve survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by supporting communities in fundraising for and installing AEDs. AEDdonate works closely with local Ambulance Trusts to ensure each device is properly registered and maintained, helping to build a nationwide network of accessible defibrillators that can save lives in moments of crisis.
You can learn more about their work or get involved here.
At the Vernon, we understand that our role in the community goes beyond mortgages and savings - it’s about being there when it matters most.
Our Chief Risk Officer, Victoria Thackstone, says: "The installation of defibrillators across Stockport reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of our community. We’re incredibly proud to partner with AEDdonate on this initiative, and we hope these devices offer reassurance and potentially life-saving support to anyone who may need it.
“We sincerely hope these defibrillators are never needed. But if they are, we’re proud to know they’ll be there - ready, accessible, and potentially lifesaving.”
To find out more about what we do within our community, you can visit our community hub.