Health starts in the neighbourhood
A new collaboration between Operose Health’s four Southwark practices, Falmouth Road, Silverlock Medical Centre, the Lister Practice and Queens Road Surgery, is taking health to the heart of the community, providing information, testing and signposting to further support in a bid to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in health
At the launch of their #HealthStartsHere education series, an event co-hosted by the Lister Practice and the Ernest Foundation in Peckham Square on 30 September, the team spoke to around 200 people. They shared information on cancer, diabetes, childhood immunisations, and on mental health and other health and wellbeing services available within the borough. In addition, they completed 142 blood pressure checks. 21 people had high readings and were referred to their GP. The team was also able to share these results with individuals’ GP practices to inform further diagnosis and care.
As well as raising awareness on the importance of blood pressure checks, educating people on the detection and management of conditions like hypertension, and guiding residents most at risk to appropriate healthcare services, the practices are aiming to help raise awareness of cervical screening, breast cancer screening and immunisations, which have low uptake in Southwark.
Many attendees commented on their positive experience on the day. After a conversation with the cancer screening team, Charmaine said: “it’s useful to get answers in person, especially if you’re not confident accessing information online.”
Olatunde, who received a blood pressure check, said it was “a great first step for looking at blood pressure concerns” and that “having events out in the open is a good reminder of what you need to get checked.”
In using familiar local spaces where people can engage with health services on their own terms, events like #HealthStartsHere combine the priorities of Partnership Southwark, South East London ICS and the 10-Year Health Plan to move health and care closer to where people live and empower communities to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
Ernest Nkrumah of the Ernest Foundation said, “if you find it hard to access health care, this is for you, to come down, have a health check, and get referred to a GP if needed, by people who are friendly, trusted, and approachable. No language barrier. Part of your own community. It makes it easier.” Lister Practice GP, Dr Widad Hamid agreed, stating, “we want to help people access free health checks and connect with their local community.”
Health and wellbeing outreach events such as these support the 10 Year Health Plan’s aim of prevention, reaching people in their neighbourhoods to provide accessible, integrated advice and support and address health inequalities.
This event is the first of a series, with each of the Operose Health practices leading one event. The next date is planned for spring 2026 and will build on the success of the initial run, with a new location in Southwark.