Staff from across health, justice and partner organisations came together to mark the launch of a powerful new short film aimed at equipping people in prison with essential life-saving skills.

Developed by the Health and Justice Learning Hub (HJLH) in partnership with YourStance, Emergency First Aid and How to Be a Zero Responder focuses on practical techniques including bleed control, placing someone in the recovery position and CPR. 

The event, opened by Sarah Allen, HJLH Programme Director and Godfrey Kofi Poku, HJLH Advanced Lived Experience Educator, celebrated the collaboration behind the project and thanked partners and contributors for their support.

Featuring contributions shaped by lived experience, the film has been informed directly by feedback from men in prison, highlighting the impact that “zero responder” training can have on confidence, safety and the ability to act in an emergency.

Speaking at the launch, Ruth Kavanagh, Quality and Safety Lead at NHS England, emphasised the importance of the film in supporting safer systems and improving responses to incidents in custody.

Attendees also heard from Helen Ormrod, from YourStance, spoke about the organisation’s mission to equip people with practical skills to save lives.

Ian Vandersluys, Head of Safety for London Prisons (HMPPS), reflected on the challenges to safety in prison settings and the importance of collaborative work across health, prison partners and the men in London prisons. He spoke movingly about the importance of this film and the difference it could make to the population.  

This innovative project forms part of a wider programme of “Zero Responder” training delivered across London prisons, equipping individuals with skills that can make a vital difference in the moments before professional help arrives. 

The film is already being shown in London prisons and we are looking into plans to roll out further.

Through initiatives like this, the Health and Justice Learning Hub and its partners continue to share learning and embed safer practice for people in custody.