'Huge milestone' for North Northants First Responders as charity unveils new community training vehicle

The mayors of Corby and Kettering helped unveil North Northants Community First Responders’ new community training vehicle this week, marking a major milestone for the charity and the wider local community.

The vehicle has been made possible thanks to a generous £15,000 sustainability grant from North Northamptonshire Council, alongside the ‘incredible’ support of local businesses, responders, volunteers and the wider community.

The specially adapted vehicle will allow the charity to expand its community outreach and deliver life-saving training across North Northamptonshire.

The new mobile training hub will enable responders to visit schools, community groups, churches, supermarkets, events and organisations to teach vital basic life support skills, including CPR, defibrillator awareness and emergency first aid.

The charity says the vehicle will become a ‘huge asset’ to the community, helping ensure that more people have the confidence and skills to step in during an emergency situation before professional help arrives.

A spokesman for North Northants Community First Responders said: “On behalf of North Northants Community First Responders, we would like to say a huge thank you to North Northamptonshire Council for their incredibly generous donation towards our new community training vehicle.

"We are also extremely grateful to VanPro for fitting out the vehicle, and to S.A. Agency and Pumpkin Prints for the fantastic livery design and installation.

"This vehicle will be a huge support to our community, allowing us to train even more people in how to help during an emergency, as well as enabling us to attend and support more local events.”

The vehicle has been professionally fitted and transformed into a practical community resource thanks to the support of several local companies.

VanPro completed the internal racking and installed an awning, helping create a versatile and functional space for training and community engagement.

Ross from VanPro said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of the community training vehicle project that North Northants CFR have worked so hard to purchase.

"It’s been a pleasure working on this vehicle, from fitting the racking to installing the awning and helping bring their vision to life.

"We’re thrilled with how it has turned out and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have within the community.”

The eye-catching vehicle livery was created with the support of S.A. Agency and Pumpkin Prints, helping ensure the vehicle stands out while representing the charity’s mission across the county.

This week’s unveiling event also celebrated the dedication of the charity’s volunteer responders, many of whom dedicate countless hours supporting patients and communities across North Northamptonshire.

Among them is Stacey, a responder from Weldon, who spoke passionately about the role the charity plays within the community.

Stacey said: "We are exceptionally grateful to everyone who came to celebrate this huge milestone for us.

"The charity hopes the new vehicle will inspire more people to learn life-saving skills and consider volunteering within their local community.

"With increasing demand for community training sessions and public event support, the vehicle will provide responders with greater flexibility and reach than ever before."

North Northants Community First Responders are now encouraging anyone interested in joining the team to get in touch.

Anyone who would like to be part of the team and join them in making a difference within the community, can email [email protected].

The charity says the launch of the community training vehicle is not only a celebration of partnership working, but also a reflection of what can be achieved when local organisations, businesses, volunteers, and the community come together with a shared vision of saving lives and supporting others.