A training company up for a top award demonstrated a big heart when it provided free training for 65 people after a village purchased its own defibrillator.

Simon Cassin, Director of Ouch Training Team, and colleague Su Turner, Director of Sales & Marketing, arranged three one hour sessions to demonstrate how to do Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use a defibrillator.

They were contacted by Lytchett Matravers Parish Council after their services were recommended by a contact in the ambulance service.

A total of 65 people from the village, of all ages, were trained.

In a letter to Ouch, Andrew Huggins, Vice Chair of Lytchett Matravers Parish Council, said: “The level and delivery of training was perfect for the audience, inclusive of all ages, and just what we wanted.

“The timekeeping was impeccable too, despite being squeezed to deliver so much in such a short amount of time.

“We are thrilled that, including helpers, 65 of us were trained.”

Su said: “We did the training for free.

“Supporting our communities is part of our ethos at Ouch.”

The Wimborne-based company has also been announced as a finalist in the FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards for the South West.

It is shortlisted in the wellbeing category.

The regional final is held at Somerset Cricket Club in Taunton on Wednesday March 2.

Category winners from each of the 12 regions will then be entered for the UK final in Glasgow on May 19.

Simon, pictured, said: “The Ouch team are thrilled to be selected and shortlisted by the FSB panel.

“We have demonstrated our commitment to wellbeing over a number of years and to be recognised for our achievement, is wonderful news.

“We see wellbeing as being more than the important issues of physical and mental health.

“For us it involves respecting the humanity of all we meet, creating opportunities for personal development, making a difference and supporting our local community and the clients we serve.”

Su, pictured left, added: “Every day, every team member – whether they are working remotely or from an office – walks the middaymile.

“We all have wet weather clothing, so rain or snow does not stop us.

“The middaymile contributes to our wellbeing by getting us away from our desks, out in the environment, chatting with colleagues and getting some exercise.

“Our office and training facility has been designed to reap the benefits of spending time in a biophilic environment.

“All members of Ouch are qualified mental health first aiders.

“Everyone has their own standing desk, has free gym membership and we allow everyone to bring their dogs to work.

“Our family-friendly policies enable people to design their work activities around their family commitments.

“We have recently updated our ethical framework.

“This involved every member of the team contributing to the formation of our organisation’s purpose and values.

“Our purpose has been defined as ‘Ouch exists to provide outstanding learning and support that enables both our clients and team members to think differently, and create a safe, healthy, sustainable and purposeful working environment for all’.”

• ouchtraining.co.uk