Cheltenham has reached a major public health and safety milestone by installing its 100th publicly accessible defibrillator, located at MX by Hub8 Plexal in the heart of the town. This achievement, led by the Public Hearts Defibrillator Campaign, firmly positions Cheltenham as one of the most defibrillator-equipped towns in the UK – earning it the title of Defib Capital of the UK.
Public Hearts
Public Hearts was founded to address the critical lack of 24/7 accessible defibrillators in Cheltenham’s town centre and surrounding areas. Since its inception, the organisation has worked tirelessly to improve local cardiac emergency readiness. The need is pressing; UK statistics show the average distance to a defibrillator is approximately 726 metres, equating to a round-trip of 10 minutes – often too long in the event of a cardiac arrest, which has a national survival rate of under 10%.
Accessing and using a defibrillator within the first two minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase the chances of survival by up to 80%. With 80% of the UK’s 35,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring at home, the widespread placement of defibrillators in communities is both lifesaving and life-changing.
Purple Flag
Cheltenham’s commitment to public safety extends beyond health infrastructure. The town has proudly held Purple Flag status since 2016 – a national accreditation recognising excellence in managing vibrant and safe evening and night-time economies. The scheme, led by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), evaluates areas between 5pm and 5am for safety, accessibility, transport links, and diversity of offerings.
Cheltenham continues to shine with its well-lit streets, clean public spaces, and a wide variety of evening entertainment. From comedy and theatre to award-winning restaurants, bars, and cultural events, the town remains a beacon of safety and hospitality.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the full experience Cheltenham offers, from the town centre to The Brewery Quarter, Montpellier, The Suffolks, Bath Road, and the Promenade.