Evolve Housing + Support is proud to announce the installation of new defibrillators across its services, thanks to donations from Transport for London (TfL) as part of a citywide initiative to tackle “defibrillator deserts.” The rollout is part of a wider programme installing 200 new defibrillators across London, including 44 specifically donated to homeless shelters—among them, several Evolve locations.
Accessible 24/7, these life-saving devices can dramatically increase survival rates following cardiac arrest, ensuring that some of London’s most vulnerable residents have access to vital emergency equipment. The Mayor of London’s £150,000 contribution has helped the London Ambulance Charity reach its fundraising target, guaranteeing coverage across all communities. Building on this success, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has expressed interest in extending the initiative to other homelessness services and areas of need, amplifying its lifesaving impact across the capital.
Pat Brandum, CEO of Evolve Housing + Support, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor of London, London Ambulance Service and TfL for this generous and vital donation. The defibrillator at Evolve House will serve not just our residents, but the wider community.
“For people experiencing homelessness, the health risks are stark. Many of our residents are living with complex physical and mental health conditions — often rooted in past trauma and made worse by prolonged periods of homelessness. Access to healthcare can be extremely limited due to stigma, poor health literacy, and competing day-to-day survival priorities.
“Initiatives like this not only save lives in a medical emergency — they also shine a light on the broader health inequalities homeless people face every day. We urge continued investment in outreach, supported accommodation, and integrated healthcare access across our communities.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts. That’s why I’m proud to be partnering with London Ambulance Service and helping to fund 200 new defibrillators and ensure that every neighbourhood in our city has better access to this life-saving equipment.
“With the right equipment and the right knowledge, we can make London a city where everyone can actively help in an emergency, as we build a safer London for everyone.”
Jason Killens, Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor for this generous donation and to everyone who has supported our Heart Starters Campaign – you are making a difference to the lives of Londoners.
People experiencing homelessness are 1.8 times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than the general population and often face significant barriers to healthcare. Evolve’s residents frequently live with untreated or poorly managed conditions, as well as mental health challenges and substance misuse issues. Missed appointments, mistrust of healthcare systems, and stigma all further compound these challenges.
Evolve is calling for more local coordination between housing, healthcare, and substance misuse services to ensure more joined-up support for people experiencing homelessness. In addition, the organisation highlights the importance of:
• Bringing healthcare directly into supported accommodation
• Offering remote GP consultations
• Embedding drug and alcohol support roles into housing services
• Involving service users in decision-making through lived experience panels
Evolve Housing + Support works with over 1000 people each year across London who are experiencing homelessness or at risk. The organisation provides supported housing, tailored recovery support, and employment and training services.
Today’s installation was marked by a London Lifesavers training session, teaching staff and residents how to perform CPR and use the defibrillator. Survivor and campaign advocate Nick Walton shared his own story of surviving cardiac arrest, and how access to a defibrillator helped save his life.