Nina Finnigan, from Bryncynon Strategy, told us about her successful project to mentor RCT Heart Heroes to gain CIO status. 

“I recently had the honour of mentoring RCT Heart Heroes, a remarkable organisation that provides defibrillators through the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) area.  Their mission is simple yet powerful to save lives by making defibrillators accessible in public places and offering free training to use them.  I’m proud to say that RCT Heart Heroes has now achieved Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status – a significant accomplishment that will enable them to further expand their reach and impact within the community. 

The Importance of RCT Heart Heroes 

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death, with survival often depending on the availability of a defibrillator and the quick action of bystanders.  RCT Hear Heroes was founded to address this urgent need by installing defibrillators across public spaces in RCT, ensuring that help is never too far away.  However, the organisation goes beyond just supplying these lifesaving devices – they actively train the community on how to use them effectively. 

This combination of access and education is what sets RCT Heart Heroes apart.  Their free, hands-on training sessions empower ordinary people to act confidently in an emergency, giving them the skills needed to operate a defibrillator and perform basic CPR.  The more people who are trained, the greater the chance of survival for those suffering from cardiac arrest in public spaces. 

The Journey to CIO Status 

Achieving CIO status was a major goal for RCT Heart Heroes.  With the formal recognition, the organisation now has a stronger legal foundation that will allow it to grow, secure more funding and serve the community even more effectively. 

The process of gaining CIO status required refining the organisation’s governance structure, financial systems and operational processes.  My role as a mentor was to guide them through this journey, ensuring they were well-prepared to meet the stringent requirements of the Charity Commission. 

This new status allows RCT Heart Heroes to build trust with potential donors and partners, ensuring that their work is viewed as credible and sustainable.  More importantly, it provides them with the legal framework to own assets, employ staff and enter into contracts – all essential steps for long-term growth. 

The Power of Community Training 

One of the most important aspects of RCT Heart Heroes’ work is their commitment to educating the community.  Installing defibrillators is crucial, but equally important is ensuring that people are comfortable and confident using them in an emergency.  To address this RCT Heart Heroes provides free training sessions that teach local residents, businesses and organisations how to operate a defibrillator and perform CPR. 

By offering this training, they eliminate the hesitation that many people feel when faced with a medical emergency.  Participants learn not only the technical skills required to use the equipment but also gain the confidence to act quickly and decisively when seconds count.  This proactive approach to public health and safely is already making a difference, with several individuals successfully using defibrillators in real-life situations to save lives. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of RCT Heart Heroes 

With their new CIO status, RCT Heart Heroes is poised for an exciting future.  The organisation now has a stronger platform from which to secure funding, expand its programmes and install more defibrillators in public spaces.  As their impact grows, so too will the number of lives saved through quick access to defibrillators and the community’s ability to use them effectively. 

Looking ahead, RCT Heart Heroes aims to continue scaling its training efforts, reaching even more people across the region.  The goal is to ensure that every neighbourhood, business and public space has access to a defibrillator and that local citizens have the knowledge and confidence to use them in an emergency. 

Conclusion 

Mentoring RCT Heart Heroes through the process of gaining CIO status has been a rewarding and inspiring experience.  Their dedication to making defibrillators accessible and providing free lifesaving training for the community is truly admirable.  Now, as a registered CIO they are well positioned to expand their efforts and make an even greater impact on the lives of those in Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

The combination of access to defibrillators and comprehensive community training means that RCT Heart Heroes is not just providing equipment – they’re creating a safer more prepared community.  I’m incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made and look forward to seeing the positive changes they will continue to bring to the area.  Their success serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support and determination, local organisations can achieve great things and truly change lives.”