A neighbourhood health service in Lewisham

In 2023, local partners in Lewisham came together with a shared ambition: to strengthen integrated working and improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. Recognising that each neighbourhood is unique, with different people, needs, and challenges, it was agreed to begin by focusing on just one area, learning what works and then sharing that success more widely.

In July 2023 work began on Neighbourhood Three in partnership with Sevenfields Primary Care Network and this continued to evolve over 2024/25. The partnership includes district nursing teams, adult social care, primary care, public health, and the area Homecare Agency. Work was also supported by Lewisham Local and the local food network.

Some of the activities already making a difference include: ‘Walk and Talk’ sessions, which are available every Friday and have driven health and wellbeing benefits for attendees including a 67% reduction in GP visits, and well-attended pre-diabetic groups which are helping residents reduce their weight, waist measurements, and achieve consistently lower average blood sugar levels.

There is strong and ongoing commitment from all partners. A dedicated steering group has been established, bringing together a wide range of organisations to collaborate, share ideas, and overcome barriers to progress. This group continues to grow in both size and ambition.

In 2024, The Waldron Health and Wellbeing Hub in New Cross underwent a major transformation to create a more welcoming, inclusive space for the community. Working together with partners, the Lewisham Health and Care Partnership created a welcoming space for all, where residents can access local health and care services, find the information and advice they need to support their own health and wellbeing, and connect with their community and friends.

The Waldron is now a thriving neighbourhood community hub which hosts a range of additional services, offering free use of the community space based on local health priorities. The space hosts a wide variety of community groups including: 360 Lifestyle, Bouake Diaspora, Broken Hearted Youth, community kitchen/coffee mornings, Empower Care, Imago Community, Lewisham Council – shared lives and fostering advice, Red Ribbon, Department of Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice Lewisham.

Following early stakeholder engagement work in 2023/4 it became clear that there was an appetite to embed and strengthen integrated working within Lewisham. Recognising that each neighbourhood is different in terms of demography, and each has unique challenges, it was agreed to initially focus on one neighbourhood. Beginning by identifying the real challenges and adopting an integrated way of working to address these, before taking the learning and scaling this up across the borough.