First Steps First Aid Welcomes Lord Mayor to Open New Portsmouth Training Hub

Written By Jack Boaden

We’re proud to share some exciting news – First Steps First Aid has officially opened our brand-new training hub in the heart of Portsmouth!

On Friday 8th August 2025, we were delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, and the Lady Mayoress, Dianna Carruthers, to formally open our new facility at the junction of London Road and Stubbington Avenue, North End.

A Mayoral Seal of Approval

The Lord Mayor spent time with our team, not only learning more about the services we provide but also rolling up his sleeves to refresh his CPR skills. Under our guidance, he even took part in a hands-on session of chest compressions on one of our training mannequins.

Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor said:

“I’m so pleased that a team of local paramedics is delivering such brilliant training to companies in Portsmouth. Charlotte, Jack and Jess understand our city and are building on the sense of community here to increase first aid knowledge and skills – something we can all benefit from. I wish them every success for the future.”

A Local Team with Real Experience

First Steps First Aid was founded in March 2023 by Charlotte Boaden, Jack Boaden, and Jessica Spencer – three Portsmouth-trained paramedics with over 10 years of frontline NHS experience each.

In just 12 months, demand for our courses has grown rapidly, with bookings increasing by 400%. Businesses across Portsmouth and Hampshire are choosing us for our trusted, accredited, and paramedic-led first aid training.

Building Skills, Saving Lives

Our new training hub gives us the space to continue delivering engaging, hands-on courses with room for group learning, CPR practice, and specialist sessions. It also acts as a central point for local businesses to access reliable, affordable, and accredited first aid training right here in Portsmouth.

We’d like to thank the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress for joining us at this milestone event – and to all the businesses and individuals who have supported us on our journey so far.

We’re excited for the future and look forward to helping even more people gain the knowledge and confidence to save lives.

A Proud Partnership with Shaping Portsmouth

We are equally honoured to be recognised and supported by Shaping Portsmouth. In July 2025, they welcomed First Steps First Aid as their newest Member. This collaboration enables us to contribute towards their excellent work in around Workplace Health & Wellbeing. First Steps collaborating with Shaping to deliver 6 free Emergency First Aid at Work Training sessions.

Jack Boaden, our Co‑Founder, shared why this connection means so much to us:

“As a local business, it means a lot to be part of a network that’s all about helping Portsmouth grow and thrive… we’re proud to be helping Portsmouth become one of the safest cities to live and work in across the UK.” Shaping Portsmouth - Shaping Portsmouth+2The News+2

Celebrating with Our Community Partners

At the launch event, we were joined by some of Portsmouth’s leading voices in business and community development:

We’re grateful for their support and encouragement as we continue to grow. Their presence highlights the strong network of organisations and individuals working together to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient Portsmouth.

Join Us – Be Prepared, Be Confident

We’re incredibly proud—both of where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. If you’re part of a Portsmouth business, school, charity, or organisation looking for first aid training that makes a real difference, we're here for you.

Find out more or book a session via our [website] or contact us directly. Let’s grow a safer Portsmouth—together.

Jack Boaden
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