Posted20.10.25
Defibrillators Installed Across Evolve Services Thanks to London Ambulance Charity, TFL and Mayor’s Support
Residents and staff across our homelessness services will now have better access to life‑saving defibrillators, thanks to the London Ambulance Charity’s successful London Heart Starters campaign — supported by the Mayor of London and Transport for London.
The campaign, launched in 2024 sets out to tackle “defib deserts” across the capital — areas with very few publicly accessible defibrillators. On Restart a Heart Day, the Mayor’s £150,000 donation helped the charity reach its goal of funding 200 defibrillators for communities most in need.
As part of this vital initiative, Transport for London donated several defibrillators that have now been installed in Evolve Housing + Support services across London, ensuring that people experiencing homelessness — many with existing health risks such as high blood pressure — have access to this crucial equipment.
“We are deeply grateful to Transport for London, London Ambulance Service and the Mayor of London for the donation of defibrillators to all Evolve Housing + Support homelessness services across London,” said Pat Brandum, Chief Executive of Evolve Housing + Support.
“With around half our residents living with high blood pressure, a major risk for cardiac arrest, these defibrillators are not just equipment — they are lifelines. Their presence makes our services safer and ensures our staff, residents, and local communities are better prepared to respond in an emergency.”
A cardiac arrest happens when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Quick access to a defibrillator and early CPR can more than double someone’s chance of survival. In 2023 alone, the London Ambulance Service responded to over 12,200 cardiac arrests across the city, yet fewer than one in ten patients survived.
By giving people experiencing homelessness the same access to emergency care as anyone else, campaigns like London Heart Starters help reduce the health inequalities that persist across London.
To learn simple, life‑saving skills and find free training events near you, visit the London Lifesavers Campaign on the London Ambulance Service website.
