Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers Campaign

In our March meeting, our members met to learn more about the WI's Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers campaign. 

This campaign calls on WI members to work together to increase public confidence and training in the delivery of CPR and to work with local organisations to help improve access to defibrillators in their communities.

At the 2025 NFWI Annual Meeting on 4 June, WI members voted in favour of the Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers resolution. The resolution, put forward by Margate WI (East Kent Federation) is as follows:

There are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests a year in the UK, and less than one in ten people survive. Women have a lower chance of surviving than men. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival. We call on WI members to work together to increase public confidence and training in the delivery of CPR and to work with local organisations to help improve access to defibrillators in their communities to give every person the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.

Members learnt about why CPR is a feminist issue, and had some practical training on how to apply CPR in an emergency situation. 

As a reminder of the training, one of our lovely members crocheted hearts for everyone to take home and keep close. 

The evening was rounded off by tea and welshcakes, also supplied by one of our fabulous members. What a talented bunch! 

Our next meeting is on Thursday 23 April where we will be meeting Fauve Birch who reached the final of the Great Sewing Bee in 2023.