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Background Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) is an essential link in the chain of survival for out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). North east England has one of the lowest proportion of patients receiving BCPR. Research indicates the current ‘one size fits all’ approach to delivering BCPR training is insufficient, and interventions should be place-based and co-developed with local communities. This 2-phase study developed and delivered bespoke BCPR interventions to marginalised communities in north east England.Methods The study was conducted between April 2024-May 2025. Phase 1 identified three groups of interest, these were ethnic diversity, older age (≥65 years) and low socioeconomic status. Field work was undertaken to determine the specific needs of each group regarding BCPR. Phase 2 involved designing and delivering bespoke BCPR training and measuring the effectiveness of the intervention.Results There were 200 participants in the study, 91 in phase 1, 82 female, mean (SD) age 51 (19.8) years, range 19-94 and 109 in phase 2, 76 female, mean (SD) age 49.2 (19.6) years, range 17–95. Each bespoke intervention was effective at improving the respondent’s ability to recognise somebody with OHCA d=4.13 [95% CI 3.23–5.51], p<0.001, their capability to help somebody with OHCA d=3.23 [95% CI 2.41–4.39], p<0.001 and their capability to use a defibrillator d=3.10 [95% CI 2.34–4.13], p<0.001). There was no change in respondents fear of performing BCPR before and after the intervention d=0.18 [95% CI -0.32–0.68], p=0.49. Subgroup analysis indicated fear increased when the intervention was the respondent’s first training session but decreased if they had had prior training.Conclusions Bespoke, place-based BCPR interventions co-developed with local communities, are effective at improving the skills required to recognise, and help during, OHCA. Further research is required to explore fear of helping and how this impacts willingness to deliver BCPR.