Saffron Walden Community Shed has received a donation to install a life-saving defibrillator.
The Community Shed, which is based at the Old Granary on Home Farm, Audley End, provides a space for people to work on practical projects to help tackle loneliness.
Housing developer McCarthy Stone donated the defibrillator as part of their ongoing partnership with the charity.
The automated external defibrillator will be easily accessible in the event of anyone going into cardiac arrest, whether they are visiting the shed or living in the community.
Members of the Saffron Walden Community Shed will undergo training to become registered users of the new defibrillator.
For every minute the heart stops, the brain is starved of oxygen - and a defibrillator can restart the heart with an electric shock.
When switched on, the device will provide instructions to any user, however a level of basic training can help to speed up the process and save precious time.
Saffron Walden Community Shed trustee Peter Morrissey said: "We can’t thank McCarthy Stone enough for their support thus far, from helping us to transform the barn so we can continue our vital work in supporting local people to donating such a vital piece of equipment.
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"The defibrillator means we can make members of the community feel safe and secure when enjoying the facilities that the shed has to offer.
"It will also give our members peace of mind knowing that we have it on hand in case of emergencies."
Earlier this year, McCarthy Stone - who are building the forthcoming Jacob Place and Edwin Gardens retirement communities in Saffron Walden - also donated £5,000 to revamp the shed's interior when it was forced to relocate to the barn.
Sam Watkins, sales and marketing director at McCarthy Stone, said: "We are delighted to be able to donate this vital piece of equipment to Saffron Walden Community Shed, which has been a prominent feature in the community since its setup in 2018.
"Although we hope that the defibrillator is never required, it is reassuring to know that it could make a massive difference in the event of an emergency."
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