Push to tell public in Swindon about kits to help stab victims

The first bleed control kit installed by Owen's World with CEO Joanne Davis

A community group has been raising awareness of where medical equipment that can help people who have been stabbed can be found.

Owen's World was set up after Owen Dunn, 18, was killed in Swindon. It has introduced bleed kits to the town.

The kits are in nine places, but when there was an incident near one recently, it was not used.

Gemma Page, who is Owen's aunt, said they want to engage with the public so people know the kits are available.

Owen's world was initially set up to educate young people about the dangers of knives, and later progressed to introducing the bleed kits to the town.

Owen Dunn's aunt Gemma Page (left) joined Owen's World - aunt Lauren Page is on the right

"A bleed kit can be metal cabinet installed on a wall outside in a public place," Ms Page said.

"If you come across a victim who has been stabbed, shot or in an accident, they can ring 999. They will give the instructions on how to use the kit and give the code to get the kit out of the cabinet."

There are bleed kits in Swindon at John Moulton Hall (Penhill), Moonrakers pub, Swiss Chalet pub, Nalgo Sports & Leisure Club, Moredon Community Centre, the Brunel in the town centre, Taw Hill Co-op, Swindon Supermarines and The Pavillion in Meadowcroft.

Mr Dunn died after being stabbed in 2022

However, one at the Brunel shopping centre in the town was not used during a recent incident.

As a result, Ms Page said the group want to bring more awareness of the kits and the group held an event in the centre last week.

"We're just trying to make the town a bit safer and try and save some lives.

"We are not going to be able to stop knife crime, but if we can try and save some lives, then that's a positive to come out of [Owen's death]," she added.