by Natasha Senior, CAN VCS Development Lead
Knowing basic first aid can literally save a life, but professional certification courses aren’t always in the budget for non-profits, volunteers, or small grassroots organisations.
Several UK organisations offer free first aid training sessions specifically tailored for charities, community groups, schools, and foster families. While these courses are typically unaccredited awareness sessions (meaning they won’t give you a certified workplace qualification), they will equip your team with the essential, life-saving knowledge they need.
Here is a breakdown of four providers offering free community training and how you can get in touch with them.
- Medu London UK
If your community group or charity cannot afford certified training, Medu London UK provides free first aid courses aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, foster families, orphanages, and non-profits.
- Best For: Charitable organisations, foster families, and local community teams.
- How It Works: Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis.
- How to Apply: Send an email outlining your group’s needs to info@meducourses.co.uk.
- Cookson First Aid
Cookson First Aid uses a social-enterprise model to give back: their paid, accredited business training directly funds free first aid sessions for non-profits and students.
- Best For: Community groups, local charities, and students.
- Why Choose Them: You get high-quality training backed by an organisation committed to community impact.
- How to Apply: Reach out directly via email at hello@cooksonfirstaid.org.
- St John Ambulance
As one of the UK’s most trusted names in first aid, St John Ambulance runs free, in-person First Aid Awareness Sessions covering crucial lifesaving skills such as CPR and managing severe bleeding.
- Best For: Schools, event organisers, and local community groups in England.
- Key Requirements: Requires a minimum group of 6.
- Note: These in-person sessions are currently available in England and are non-certificated.
- How to Apply: Contact community.engagement@sja.org.uk to arrange a session.
- British Red Cross
The British Red Cross provides accessible workshops and online resources designed to give everyday people the confidence to step in during an emergency.
- Best For: Youth groups, non-profit staff, and adults (19+) looking for flexible learning.
- What’s Covered: Practical, basic first-aid skills delivered through interactive workshops and digital tools.
- Note: These workshops are unaccredited and do not fulfil formal workplace health and safety requirements.
- How to Access: Visit the British Red Cross website to explore their free adult and youth community resources.
Keep in Mind: Before booking, make sure to check whether your organisation specifically requires a legally accredited workplace first aider. If you only need foundational skills and emergency awareness for your volunteers or community members, these free options are an incredible place to start.
