Ex Simul 2025: London’s Volunteers Put Resilience To The Test
Posted by Olivia Everett 18th September 2025 News
Estimated Reading Time: 1 min
REACT Responders joined partners from across London’s voluntary sector for the annual Exercise Simul, hosted by Westminster Council.
In the run-up, our London Lead, Natalie, worked with the British Red Cross to prepare and deliver the online briefings that set volunteers up for the day.
During the live exercise led by British Red Cross and hosted by Westminster Council, REACT supported delivery and coordination across three scenarios:
Standing up a Community Assistance Centre
Door-knocking after a major power outage
Stronger together ready for the next emergency
All challenges were designed to sharpen problem-solving, coordination, safeguarding awareness and person-centred support. These are the foundations of effective humanitarian action in London.
"I’m incredibly proud of the REACT Responders who took part. For many, this was their first live exercise since domestic training, yet they threw themselves into every challenge with professionalism and heart"
REACT Responder Natalie Fairchild
We are grateful to Westminster Council for hosting, the British Red Cross for leading.
We also extend the same gratitude to our partners (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) FANY, Islamic Relief, Abbey Centre, the London Faith Network and UK Power Networks for standing alongside us.
Together, we built confidence, clarified roles, and strengthened the relationships that make London’s voluntary sector more resilient when crisis strikes.