We've put together some examples of how organisations and partnerships are putting health equity into action in Royal Greenwich.
School Superzone in Thamesmead
A School Superzone is the area within a 10-minute walk of a school, where local partners work together to improve health and wellbeing for children and families.
In Thamesmead, partners including Peabody and the London Borough of Bexley are working with schools and communities to improve access to healthy food, safe outdoor spaces and opportunities to be active.
Actions include supporting:
- healthier local shops
- community physical activity
- cookery and food programmes
- safer roads around schools
- improved school and mental health support
Together, this work is helping make Thamesmead a healthier place for children and families.
Improving cancer screening through community engagement
Local partners in Royal Greenwich and south east London worked with communities to improve awareness and access to cancer screening.
Community feedback highlighted barriers such as:
- fear of pain
- lack of information
- difficulty getting appointments
- cultural concerns
In response, a targeted breast screening campaign was developed using clear, supportive messages.
Outreach took place at trusted community settings, including faith centres and cultural events, with information shared in multiple languages.
This approach saw breast screening rates increase across all 6 south east London boroughs, with Royal Greenwich seeing an increase of around 10%.
Community Food Programme
The Community Food Programme brings people together through food, helping residents build skills, confidence and connections.
Monthly community meals are held across the borough, alongside cookery clubs that teach practical cooking skills, including tailored and culturally specific sessions.
Over 150 residents have been trained through the Cookery Tutor programme, building local skills and community leadership.
The programme has shown positive results, with improved skills, stronger social connections and increased community capacity.
Neighbourhood working
Neighbourhood working puts local people at the centre of improving health and wellbeing by focusing on small, local areas.
In Royal Greenwich, this approach supports prevention and early help by connecting residents with each other and local services in areas including Thamesmead, Plumstead and Glyndon, Horn Park, and Blackheath and Charlton.
Working with residents and community leaders, public health teams help:
- improve access to health information
- strengthen social connections
- improve local environments and access to healthy food
- support community participation through training and small grants
“It’s a privilege to be part of this group that brings the community together. We are all part of the community and feel genuinely privileged to live and work in Royal Greenwich” - Member of the Blackheath and Charlton Steering Group.
Borough of Sanctuary
The Royal Borough of Greenwich became a Borough of Sanctuary in 2023, joining the national City of Sanctuary movement to support safety, welcome and inclusion for people seeking sanctuary.
The Royal Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary Group brings together local organisations, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to plan and deliver campaigns that improve the lives of migrants across the borough.
As part of this commitment, sanctuary seekers are connected to housing, benefits and immigration advice, as well as other support organisations. All GP surgeries have been encouraged to sign up to the Safe Surgeries initiative, helping to reduce barriers to healthcare for people seeking sanctuary.