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September 2015 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Date & Time: 29th September 2015 10am – 1pm
Venue: Rivercourt Methodist Church (First Floor Hall), King St, Hammersmith, W6 9JT
Theme: Dementia
Agenda: Download here doc

Intoduction: This was a great event to attend to find out more about how services for people with Dementia have been planned and delivered and question the people in charge of doing so. It was also a great opportunity to find out more about how to support people with Dementia and what services are available in the NHS and the third sector including some specialist services for BME communities.


DOWNLOAD POWERPOINT SLIDES:

Wake up London - The impact of Dementia on London's BAME communities 

CNHLC Dementia Awareness & Support Project

Dementia Awareness Training and Memory Assessment and Support Service, and tri-borough Dementia day and Community Services Review


Nafsika Thalassis, BME Health Forum Director, welcomed all to the meeting and introduced the first item.

Item 1:
 
Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster Memory Service Helen Efozia, Terezie Holmerova and Anna Sadler will present the memory service, the peer support service and community support for people with dementia in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea

Step 1 – Everyone with Memory problems will see a GP. Then depending on the outcome of the GP assessment, they could be referred to the Memory service. The GP is the gateway – very important role in the process.
 
Step 2 – More detailed assessment is made at the Memory service where a diagnosis is made and they also take a history of the person that takes in to account the person in terms of language – assessment needs to be done in mother tongue, culture, and who the person is as an individual.

There are still some gaps in terms of making assessments for BME communities.

Dementia advisors
 
Dementia advisors are the point of contact throughout the person’s journey after diagnosis. They are still relatively new and came about from a need that was established for someone to be there for the person after diagnosis.
 
If you are in a borough where there are no/ not many services available then the role of the Dementia advisor can be very intense.

The Dementia advisor will create a post diagnosis strategy for the person.
 
An important part of the Dementia advisor’s role is to build good partnerships and better cooperation with services as they need to be the resource to refer people to everything appropriate that is available – and also help develop services appropriate for BME communities:
 
  • We are looking for volunteers who speak community languages for our Befriending service
  • Hoping to run a Memory café in different communities – these are safe non-judgmental environments for people with Dementia and carers to come together.
  • Currently building promising partnerships with Mosques.
  • Social services and community services – to clarify people’s rights to them.
  • Legal and financial services – helping people have control of their future
We want to be able offer different things for people with diverse needs – NOT just one-size-fits-all.

More cooperation and communication is needed on both sides – work needs to be done both ways. Services reaching out and out what will help BME communities plus communities being more informed about Dementia services currently available.

Q&A
 
Question:  How are you tackling the issue of the stigma of dementia diagnosis. Many people associate it with aging.

Answer:  Yes – it’s about finding the right channel in each particular community. Some communities don’t want to hear about it as they feel they don’t need the info as they don’t have it. However if we find the right person who has good direct links with their community then we can work with them. Often we find out what is already happening as in events where there is a captive audience. Also, we are doing outreach – trying to link up with work that other organisations are doing. But how do we tackle stigma in general? We keep trying – one small step at a time.

Question: You speak a lot of ‘BME communities’ but we are not just one group. Within all BME communities some may have more need that others. I am encouraged to hear that you are getting in contact with faith groups. My worry is that it seems you are approaching us like 1 group. Who in fact are you talking about?

Answer: This is a good point and a problem with a term like BME that is quite overused in these types of presentations. To be more specific, in Kensington & Chelsea I see a lot of the Farsi community and in Westminster predominantly the Arabic, Bangladeshi and Somali communities.
 
Item 2:
Alzheimer’s Society – Hammersmith & Fulham Vanya Chaprazova, Dementia Advisor

Mine is a similar role to the previous presenters –I am a Dementia advisor but I work in Hammersmith & Fulham. We have a day care centre and also a Peer support group for Dementia sufferers and their carers.

Q&A

With regards to the previous question about which communities we mean – in the past we have specifically worked a lot with the Somali community where we have identified stigma as an issue. However our aim is to reach more communities and to book as many Dementia awareness sessions as possible.

Question: How long do you need to train to become a Dementia advisor?

Answer: It varies – in my specific case I was already working as a Dementia support worker before I took on the role – but it is around a few months.
 
Item 3:
 
Nubian Life – Andrea Lemard from Nubian Life will present the services Nubian Life offer their African Caribbean clients with Dementia

We work in Hammersmith & Fulham, across the three boroughs but also nationwide.
 
Our aim is to improve the dignity and health of our older people in African and Caribbean communities.

We run:
 
  • Lifestyle classes
  • Peer support groups
  • Student work placements
  • The Challenge
We don’t differentiate between those with dementia and those with not in terms of older people’s services.

Our values:
 
  • People – respect, recognise and value
  • Purpose – to meet needs
  • Passion
Service user is at the forefront:
 
  • Increased choice and control
We often get people at crisis point as once standard services feel they can’t handle the person they get sent to us.

We work around a 5 F framework
 
  1. Foundation – We get the full history at the beginning – make sure we do not make assumptions
  2. Faith – Respect faith
  3. Family – Family values. We always continue the conversation with their family
  4. Food – Familiar food is important
  5. Fun – Everything with laughter
Why culturally specific? – person centred dementia care.
 
We need to embed [person centred dementia care] within all of our practices within the day care.
 
  • To make people feel as normal as possible
  • Everything is available in house
  • We always give them the choice
People need to feel that they are part of everyone else – NOT excluded

We also offer training packages

Q&A
 
Question:  Do you agree that perhaps the future of dementia services is that there no specific services but instead generic services that can include and understand and work with dementia sufferers.
 
Answer: Yes

Question: How many people can you help – access your services
 
Answer: In day care we can have up to 15 people but we have plenty of other services available that can be accessed by more.
 
Item 4:
‘Wake Up London’ – David Truswell, Independent Advisor on dementia support and services from Black and minority communities
 
There is underlying evidence of the need to have a London wide approach to helping people with dementia in BME communities.

What does this mean?
 
There is a very high number of people from Black African and Caribbean communities in London who are over 65 and they have a higher risk of vascular dementia and early onset dementia.
 
Irish community – while it’s the oldest white ethnic community in the UK – no specifc research to be found on the impact of dementia in this community.

There is a high number of older South Asians but mainly Indian in origin as Bangladeshi and Pakistani groups are demographically younger.

There are very few studies of the impact of dementia on South Asian communities despite what is known about the stigma of mental health issues in the communities and the fact that they are at higher risk of vascular dementia due to the higher incidence of hypertension than the White UK population

What does this mean for other London communities?
 
No one knows much about Chinese communities – or Jewish orthodox communities or white other communities – no one is looking in to it.
 
In commissioning what often happens is they look at the headlines – and in this case there is a low relative age in these communities.
Wake_up_London_Slide_pic.jpg
 
[Illustration drawn from power point slides – see slides at link above]
 
Because of lack of awareness the family member/ carer often hangs on with the dementia sufferer until they reach crisis point – then hospital admission – and then by that time it is unlikely the person will be readmitted home.
 
This situation must change. We have to reach these people when it is possible for them to get help (before crisis point).
 
What could a london-wide solution look like?
 
  • A London wide campaign reaching out to black and minority ethnic communities to reduce stigma about dementia and provide information on how to get further information and access to services.
  • On-line resources targeted at black and minority ethnic communities to provide information and peer based support.
  • A research programme at a regional level targeting high risk communities to gain better understanding of managing the risk factors.
  • A regional expert advisory panel to support effective commissioning and a co-production approach to service development.
  • A regional commissioning strategy that invests in appropriate services to address the volume of delivery in an economically effective way across the region.
There is enough expertise around in the community – in organizations such as Nubian life for example – to be tapped into.

It is not just a moral imperative but also a financial benefit in doing this work.
 
David Truswell is a Dementia Friends facilitator.

Q&A
 
Question: Where next in terms of developing Dementia communities-  and how do we bring people together in wider communities?

Answer: I agree. I am trying to convince people in the Dementia Friends group but we need to be pro-active to make this happen

Question: HIV programmes have been pan-London in the past. To get support perhaps you would need to approach Public Health England or NHS London. For example, to suggest creating leaflets in specific languages would be more effective if they were usable in any London borough.
 
Answer: Agreed. Also direct engagement with communities is essential. Community engagement is an expertise that exists in community groups/ organisations.

Question: Can you tell me anything about the link between diabetes and dementia?

Answer: Not much work has been done yet – it is just coming into the forefront with research.

Item 5:
CNLHC Dementia Awareness Project – Eddie Chan, Director of the Chinese National Healthy Living Centre

Background:
 
There is currently estimated to be around 600,000 Chinese populations in the UK.

The Chinese population in the UK is not at all homogenous – includes 56 ethnic groups who speak many different languages.

Barriers [extracted from power point slides]:

They are one of the most dispersed BME community groups.
 
  • They are often labelled as
    • Quiet or passive
    • Invisible
    • The silent minority
    • Homebound people live in isolation/loneliness
    • Service providers stress that it is difficult to offer suitable services to the Chinese community because they are so unreachable Reluctant to accept help of others outside the immediate family
    • Older people inclined to using traditional medicine (for certain types of ailments, e.g., eczema, acne, vitiligo, alopecia, psoriasis, freckles… at own cost)
    • Undocumented migrants often have their medicines sent from China (anything from tablets for headache to stomach pain and tonics etc., because can’t access healthcare services here)
Emerging issues [extracted from power point slides]:
 
  • An ageing population – people live longer
  • In 2010 – 820,000 with dementia in UK
  • Costing £23 billion per year
  • 1/3 of elderly people will get dementia before death
  • For Chinese - Long periods of working living in catering à limited social circle
  • Poor language skills - access to mainstream service hampered
  • Generation gap – loss of traditional family support
  • Cultural issues – misunderstanding/stigma
  • More than 8000 London Chinese are 65+
(In other words, roughly 2700 of these 8000 will have dementia at some point during their life time)
 
Problems cause [extracted from power point slides]:
 
  • Poor health due to long working hours coupled with lack of exercise
  • Lack of knowledge about how to access healthcare services (knowledge of rights, entitlement, eligibility, service availability)
  • Reluctant to admit having mental health issues (of themselves/of family members -  in some cases for fear of losing employment, relationship, friendship, peer and social respects
  • Different dialects can be a problem when arranging interpreting help
  • Affect family life because of time needed from the family carer
  • Young children unable to speak Chinese can create communication barriers between people of young and old generations
 
CNHLC London Dementia Awareness and Support Project

Aims:

Removing stigma & promoting awareness Pan-London: work in partnership with local community centres

Different Chinese terms used in different countries/regions -  all of which stigmatize. A more accurate translation Tui-zhi-zheng(退智症)is now adopted and publicized by the project – it means ‘deterioration of mental ability’ NOT ‘madness’ as it was previously referred to.
 
Partnership working – CNHLC have worked in partnership with a number of Chinese community centres, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Home instead Carer training agency and One Westminster

Defeating dementia booklet was produced inChinese with 5000 copies produced for distribution.
 
Tea house – monthly tea house at local centres with refreshments and talks that provide interpreters where needed (when presentations are not delivered in Chinese). Topics include brain functions, how to live with dementia, sleep management, stress management, adaptation & gadgets in the home environment, etc.

Referrals and Support
 
  • Presentation followed by a voluntary, simple, memory test conducted by (retired) psychological consultant.
  • Those failing the test will be referred to GP for further advice. Home visits will be made for homebound patients.
  • Diagnosed patients are referred to specialists.
The project is finded by City Bridge Trust but limited for 3 years. We rely on volunteers to keep a lot of the services running -

Involving volunteers/ recruit dementia friends
 
Offered Training for Carers & Volunteers
 
  • Project recruited a team of 12 volunteers – half of them active. Volunteers help with arranging workshops, interpreting at workshops and tea house gatherings, distributing booklets, using Mylife Software programme. (Two of the volunteers are trained dementia friends & leader project of a similar project).
  • Four days’ training for care workers from two community centres.
  • A one-day training arranged for volunteers who want to progress to become dementia friends.
Work in coming year:
 
  • Continuing the Tea House activities
  • Arranging home visits to homebound
  • Exploring the ways to recruit or train further dementia champions, and (if appropriate), assisting research institutions, e.g., Alzheimer’s Research UK in their efforts to understand more about the problems faced by the Chinese community in relation to dementia.
  • Organize a national conference in 2016 on dementia and Chinese.
Q&A
 
Question/ comment: You spoke about using interpreters – is there scope in doing Dementia Friends training with interpreter- would be good in helping with using appropriate language

Item 6:
Hammersmith & Fulham CCG – Dementia awareness training + discussion on the future of the Memory Service –Jen Goddard, Planned Care Manager
 
What we do
 
We support GPs to identify and diagnose people with dementia.

We meet GPs and nurses about how to support people diagnosed with dementia before they reach the Memory Service.
 

We asked them what they wanted and they requested training. We are also trying to get the admin staff to do the training.

Our dementia awareness training course content is bit more than the Dementia Friends training – more like a tier 2 training.

The intention is that the whole team in a practice has this training.

Different types of dementia have different symptoms at different stages.

Important to know it is not part of the natural aging process.

Signs and symptoms: [Illustration drawn from power point slides – see slides at link above]

Dementia_symptoms_picture.jpg

Often in early stages it is the practice reception staff who first identify dementia in a patient (e.g. from people calling back repeatedly for the same info)

Risk factors:
 
  • Age
  • Gender - women are more likely to be affected by Alzheimer’s dementia
  • Genetic
  • Healthy lifestyle – particularly with vascular dementia
Diagnosis does not a whole person make – it is just one aspect of that person. It is imperative that we work with people as individuals.

Setting the scene
 
  • There is a huge demand on services across tr-borough (H&F, West and K&C)
  • Dementia Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and North West London Strategic review of Dementia
We would like you to feedback to us on what we need to do make services accessible to all. To make sure that that there is better care in the community for people and their carers.
 
Also, if people do have to go to hospital to reduce the length of their stay and make discharge safe and smooth

And in compliance with the Care Act 2014 – make sure that health and social care is integrated.

Discussion points:
 
  • What would a good service look like from dementia diagnosis through to ongoing support after diagnosis?
  • What is missing currently from dementia services from diagnosis onwards?
  • How can services work better together to improve the service user/carer experience?
  • Any other comments/questions/thoughts
Comments:
 
  • One of the big things is trust and relationships – so having diagnosis being made in a centre where trust is already established.
  • I would like to say we need outreach work in the communities from people from these communities. Perhaps we could first identify the top 4/5 groups and train up people from these specific groups.
  • Use co-production for more intelligent use of services. Some people from minority communities need support to enter into intervention services.
Comment from speaker: We do need to be using what is already out there – to take into consideration and make use of that.
 
  • Stigma is one of the biggest things to overcome. Some communities did not want someone from their own community to support them/ intervene.
Comment from speaker: Yes, one service does not fit all.
 
  • On our own programme (CNHLC Dementia awareness project) in order to reduce stigma we found information and education to be fundamental.
Suggestion: What do people think of a ‘Dementia resource centre/ hub’?
 
Transcriptions from flipcharts around tables:
 
  • What would a good service look like (from dementia diagnosis through to ongoing support after diagnosis)? – Look at British Psychological Society - this work has already been done. Need to think about what is different in your boroughs, especially BAME communities
  • Build diverse community networks
  • Advise how health messages could be more effectively – people living with dementia
  • Train culturally sensitive advisors
  • Provide specific dementia info
  • Link to certain conditions e.g diabetes and learning difficulties
  • Provide a local directory of dementia services
  • Ensure communities have input into service design
  • Making funding available for small projects
  • Think about presentation of info given (e.g. leaflet design)
  • Regular MOT meetings in the community on quarterly basis (GPs, dementia advisors, religious leaders and community)
  • Ensure training for GPs
  • Random health checks/ screening
  • Educating all ages on first signs of dementia

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Health professionals often encounter challenges when having conversations with people about making positive health changes. Common barriers include:Feeling unskilled in this area/don't know how to start; Lacking the confidence to address behaviour change; Fearing that it would cause offence or damage relationships with individuals, leading to disengagement with services; Time. Learn how to have effective conversations around healthy lifestyles using the MECC framework in one of our upcoming training sessions.

» Greener Futures Fund - Now open!

The latest round of the Greener Futures Fund is now open. The fund offers grants of up to £40,000 (over 2 years) to support climate related projects and activities in Westminster. The aim of the Greener Futures Fund is to empower communities to take local action on climate change.

» The IVF Access Study: seeking participants!

NHS IVF is in high demand across the UK. Local commissioning groups set their own criteria to restrict access to the service. This project aims to understand how policy decisions around IVF are made, and how people assigned female at birth are affected long-term by IVF restrictions.

» Braver Together Programme

The Braver Together Programme is a 12-week online programme that draws on Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). The aim of the programme is to increase knowledge of symptoms and behaviour for friends, family members, partners, siblings, housemates or chosen family of someone who is suicidal to understand their own responses to their loved ones.

» Health Equity Programme - NHS North West London

NHS North West London's health equity programme is working with partners and the communities of North West London to make real change in terms of improving inequalities in health and care. We know that some people in our communities in NW London are dying earlier than they should, with a range of factors including poverty, poor-quality housing, low-paid or unstable jobs impacting people’s physical and mental health. The health equity programme focusses on putting people at the heart of what we do – reducing inequalities, improving people’s health outcomes, and reducing the differences in healthy life expectancy.

» Suicide Prevention and mental Health promotion 2nd workshop on Arts therapy

You are cordially invited to join us on Friday the 19th of January from 11 am to 2 pm for the Arts Therapy workshop at Church Street Library. This is our second Community Learning event around Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion.

» Healthwatch Westminster and RBKC current project on digital exclusion within elderly and migrant populations

Healthwatch Westminster and Healthwatch RBKC are interested in speaking to residents aged 50+ about their experiences using digital platforms in primary care services within the Bi-Borough. We are particularly interested in hearing from migrants/people who do not speak English as a first language.

» Do you need volunteers?

The Westminster Connects newsletter advertises volunteering opportunities to thousands of local residents fortnightly. To include your opportunities you just need to email One Westminster details of you opportunities including a brief description of your organisation. a brief description of the role, the commitment required, times and dates, and your contact details.

» Neighbourhood Doulas Online Birth Education Classes

Neighbourhood Doulas are excited to kick off our free ONLINE Childbirth Education Classes on Wednesday 24th January 2024. Our online support provides free childbirth classes offering attendees a safe place to learn & connect that they may not find elsewhere. Classes will be in blocks of five weeks covering birth preparation, birth choices, mental health and wellbeing, and postnatal support.

» Women’s group at Turning Point Drug & Alcohol Wellbeing service

At our women’s group we provide a safe space where female clients can connect to reduce isolation and improve their overall wellbeing. We provide a mixture of activities that can support the ladies to build further on their self- esteem and self- confidence.

» Expert by Experience Opportunities!

Do you have any dynamic people who who live in North West London that use your services that you think would be great to help support the North West London Suicide Prevention Programme? Experts by Experience (EbE’s) are at the heart of co-production which is what our programme is all about - informing our work in the social response to suicide prevention through lived experience. We are looking to bring in some new people in 2024 to kick off the new year.

» London’s democracy needs you – join the #NoVoteNoVoice campaign

2024 is a huge year for democracy with elections in London, the UK and across the world - Londoners need you! With the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections on 2nd May 2024 fast approaching, we need your help to reach as many eligible Londoners as possible.

» FREE African Yoga sessions at Jubilee Community Sports Centre

Access to Yoga is series of 18 sessions taking place at the NEW Jubilee Community Sports Centre on Lancefield Street W10. The sessions will be an introduction to African Yoga and will take place on Thursday evenings. Yoga is well renowned for its benefits to health and wellbeing.

» Kensington & Chelsea Fraud Newsletter (December 2023)

The K&C Fraud newsletter contains information and figures of fraud cases in the borough including useful information about how to protect yourself against fraud crimes.

» Young Westminster Foundation January Newsletter (2024)

Please see the latest newsletter from Young Westminster Foundation with several funding opportunities including: Helping Hands Community Fund, Paul Hamyn Foundatiom Youth Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Sports England small grants programme, and Berkley Foundation Fund for organisations working with young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

» New lung cancer screening roll out to detect cancer sooner (June 2023)

A national targeted lung cancer screening programme designed to catch cancer sooner or prevent it altogether has been announced by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Each year the programme - which will cost £270 million annually once fully implemented - is expected to detect cancer in as many as 9,000 people, deliver almost one million scans and provide treatment earlier.

» Active Westminster Network Funding application windows 2024

From the Monday 5th February 2024, ActiveWestminster Network partners are invited to submit a proposal for funding support of up to £1000 to support new or upscaling of a health and wellbeing physical activity community project. The submission deadline is Sunday 3rd March 2024 at midnight.

» Invitation to participate in an interview for research study developing an inclusive health and care research system with Black African Diaspora Communities in the UK

Are you: a community leader, or faith leader of Black communities?; a healthcare professional with experience of inviting individuals to health and care research studies?; a health and care researcher? research delivery staff?; a member of an ethics committee, or regulatory agency such as the HRA/MHRA?; a funder of health and care research, or make decisions about funding?; a policymaker? If yes to one of these, would you like to share your views about the inclusion and participation of Black communities in health and social care?

» NEW! Peer Support Cafe at Church st Library - Tuesdays from 9th Jan - 18th June 2024

We are delighted to announce our new Peer support Cafe that takes place on Tuesdays (initial sessions 11 - 12pm) at Church street library. The café will encourage the community sharing of valuable information, advice and guidance, provided by experts, supported by WCC registered interpreter/translator (Arabic, Amharic). It is intended as a safe place to share concerns, seek advice, meet friends, make friends and escape loneliness.

» Kensington & Chelsea Fraud Newsletter (November 2023)

The K&C Fraud newsletter contains information and figures of fraud cases in the borough including useful information about how to protect yourself against fraud crimes.

» Say No to Abuse Leaflets: Supporting people to ‘stay safe’ in the Bi-borough (added 20.12.23)

These leaflets have been co-produced by our Safeguarding Ambassadors and include a variety of our video resources to help support everyone to understand a range of safeguarding topics, as well as information on what happens after you report a safeguarding concern.

» Young Westminster Foundation December Newsletter (2023)

Please see the latest newsletter from Young Westminster Foundation with several opportunities including: I have a voice - welcome to your vote week (opportunity for 12-18yr olds); Paddington Arts Office space for hire; St Giles and St George Trustee role; Partnership for Young London Survey; NSPCC E-Learning Safeguarding Children with SEND Training; and more.

» SAEB Safeguarding Ambassadors Bulletin - December 2023

Please see the latest newsletter from Safeguarding Adults Executive Board's Safeguarding Ambassadors. Inside you will find information about National Safeguarding Awareness Week 2023 including a link to the SAEB Learning Programme: Self-Neglect webinar, PLUS a 7 Minute Briefing: What makes a good safeguarding referral.

» Patient involvement opportunities from NIHR/ Imperial College London

Please see upcoming patient involvement opportunities from the Patient Experience Centre newsletter of Imperial College London. Opportunities include: effects of early life respiratory infections (seeking parents/ carers of 0-18s), oppoortunity for young people who have taken part in clinical trials, and opportunity for young people who are interested in health research.

» Fairer Communities - Join your local area panel!

Are you passionate about improving your local area? Why not join your local area panel and have your say on what community projects are delivered in your local area. Work alongside other panel members to provide feedback on how we design our consultations. Share your ideas on how we can improve on engagement events for the programme. Commission local service provides and assess funding applications.

» Virtual peer support group for Black & Brown grievers

Black and Brown Good Grief is a peer to peer support meeting and safe space for black and brown grievers. Black and Brown Good Grief allows a person to grieve acknowledging the nuances of their heritage and culture while still being a person grieving someone. Black and Brown Good Grief was started by black and brown attendees and continues to be run and hosted this way..

» London Inspire Programme

The London Inspire programme is a ground-breaking programme developed to raise awareness and promote targeted health interventions aimed at reducing the staggering health inequalities faced by black people in London. Inspire was developed to foster partnership and collaboration opportunities for voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver health interventions, while also amplifying the voice of the Black community to create whole systems change.

» Cost of Living Support - Directory of Services December

Please see the latest update to the Cost of Living Directory of Services for December for RBKC residents.

» Free after school programmes at Grand Junction

Grand Junction are hosting several free after school programmes for children and young people - these are: Junction Juniors - drama workshop for age 7-11; Young Actors - acting and drama workshops for age 11-17; and Green Kids Club - a weekly workshop learning about environmentalism, nature and making art.

» Endometriosis leaflets in multiple languages

Endometriosis UK have newly translated support and symptoms leaflets. These leaflets are now available in Punjabi Shahmukhi, Punjabi Gurmukhi, Urdu, Polish, Scottish Gaelic, Cantonese, and Mandarin Chinese. The symptoms leaflet shares the main endometriosis symptoms, what endometriosis is and how Endometriosis UK provides support.

» Jubilee Sports Centre - book a space!

There is still availability to book space at the new improved Jubilee Community Sports Centre with priority being given to those clubs and organisations that are looking to provide opportunities to support the local community. The address of the venue is: Lancefield Street, London, W10 4NW

» Westminster Special Schools Online Training Calendar

Please see the training calendar from Westminster Special Schools for supporting children with additional needs. Trainings includ: Practical Sensory Strategies; Fostering Emotion Regulation; Practical strategies for handwriting; Navigating mealtimes with sensory challenges; and more.

» 'Stay with Us' Suicide Prevention Campaign Launch - info and resources

For those who were unable to attend the Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster 'Stay with Us' Suicide Prevention Campaign Launch please see the collated essential information and resources we have put together.

» Young Westminster Foundation November Newsletter (2023)

Please see the latest newsletter from Young Westminster Foundation including funding news: HELPING HANDS COMMUNITY FUND NOW OPEN and WESTMINSTER BRIGHTER FUTURES FUND; also YWF YOUTH WORKER FORUM WINTER EVENT on 6th November and YOUNG WESTMINSTER FOUNDATION JOB VACANCY as HELPING HANDS PROGRAMME OFFICER.

» North West London Health Equity Summit info share from the day

On Tuesday 24 October 2023, more than 200 people from across NW London gathered in St Pauls, Hammersmith for the first health equity summit for the area. One year on from the launch of the region’s inequality strategy, it was a chance to reflect on what had been achieved and discuss the challenges ahead. You can now see all the presentation and details of the day updated to the NHS NWL website.

» Workshops to improve breast screening information - 30th Nov or 12th Dec

Do you want to help improve breast cancer screening information and invitations? We are looking for 6 people to join two different workshops. We encourage people from underserved populations including but not limited to ethnic minority groups e.g., Asian, Black African or Caribbean, Arab, Mixed ethnicity and those from a disadvantaged background to apply.

» National Lottery Awards for All is changing! (posted 15.11.2023)

National Lottery Awards For All, is changing! You will now be able to: Apply for funding between £300 and £20,000 to support your project, an increase from the previous £10,000 per year; Get your project funded for up to two years rather than one. These changes mean that we have doubled the amount you can apply for and how long we’ll fund your project.

» Public steering group opportunity - STATIN project (apply by 24.11.2023)

As part of a study looking at developing an intervention to support patients who have been prescribed statins, we are looking for public partners to join our team who are prescribed statins or who have been prescribed statins in the past and are currently living in London. Even if (or especially if) you do not take your statins as prescribed, we would still be interested in hearing from you.

» Mentoring Programme for Young People With MH Needs

Are you a young person from a minority background experiencing mental health challenges? Or do you know, or work, with someone who is? Our free e-mentoring programme is here to help! Unlock your potential and achieve your educational and employment dreams with our free 12-week e-mentoring programme.

» Age UK K&C & Age UK Westminster Digital Inclusion Project (added 03.11.2023)

The Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster (KCW) Social Isolation pilot supports and enhances existing Older Adult Mental Health services provided by CNWL by providing targeted outreach support to vulnerable elderly people including those living alone who are known to be more likely to experience social isolation.

» Exciting New Group for the Spanish & Portuguese Community!

Come and join us every Friday from 10am - 12pm at Stockwell Partk Community Centre. In this space we will talk about our health, wellbeing, benefits, access to local services, how to obtain individual help, while also having the chance to make new friends!

» Community Living Well service

Community Living Well is an emotional wellbeing support service for anyone aged 16 and over, and who is registered with a GP in Kensington, Chelsea, Queen’s Park or Paddington. We can help to support your mental health and wellbeing.

» Support and Guidance During Current Events in Israel and Palestine

We are aware that ongoing, shocking events in Israel and Palestine have led to heightened tensions and emotional distress within our communities and want to remind you that Westminster’s Prevent team are available should you require our assistance; we are able to provide support and guidance for anyone who may be impacted by the current situation. If you or someone you know is feeling distressed or overwhelmed due to the recent events, there are resources and support available to help you navigate through these difficult times.

» Vacancies at Thrive Tribe - Healthier You (NDPP) (apply by 09.10.2023)

Thrive Tribe have been selected to deliver the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) in London and now we have lots of opportunities to join our team! We have vacancies for Health Coaches, Senior Health Coaches, and Healthier You Partnerships Managers.

» Build your own Community Website in 7 weeks

This training from Superhighways will bring together a small group of people from 8 to 10 micro charities and community organisations to build their own website, using the free community website builder Voice Online Communities. The training will run weekly online, 10am to 12pm weekly, starting Wednesday 25 October 2023.

» Mosaic Community Trust's current services and activities (29.10.23)

Mosaic Community Trust's Mothers Support Network offers a range of activities in the form of Drop in sessions, workshops run by professionals, opportunities to voice concerns, free therapeutic massage and more. Mosaic also run a community wellbeing hub at the Portman centre and Connected communities social hub which is for women living in Church street area only.

» Free Funding bid support

NEW OFFER OF FREE SUPPORT – fundraising strategy and bid writing help available now! Concentrated help from one of a panel of external fundraisers whose direct skills and expertise will be offered to Westminster VCS organisations (including CICs) for free.

» Free Birth Preparation Classes with Neighbourhood Doulas

From Wednesday 6th September 2023 (10.30 -12.30) Neighbourhood Doulas will be providing their 6-week course and information around birth preparation, knowing your rights and options, mindfulness, decision making, confident parenting and more. Available to North Kensington residents.

» North London Forensic Collaborative Small Grant Opportunity

North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) has recently launched a new small grant programme for Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise organisations based in North London. This is open to organisations who currently work with individuals accessing forensic inpatient or community services, or organisations that are delivering health and wellbeing initiatives in local communities that with additional investment, could extend this offer to individuals accessing forensic services.

» English Speaking Clubs & IT Drop-In Sessions in Westminster Libararies

There are a number of English Speaking/ conversation classes running on different days in libraries across Westminster including throughout the Summer. There are also IT classes and number of other classes available.

» Muslim Women's Fertility Support Group (Fertility UK)

Fertility Network UK is a national charity that offers free advice, support, information and understanding for those facing fertility challenges. We have local fertility groups, as well as a huge range of free specialist UK-wide groups. We have now started a Muslim Women's Fertility support group.

» Pressures on our emergency services in this hot weather

Our A&Es are extremely busy with waits of up to 11 hours. We are seeing many health issues related to the current warm weather – please do share the link below which gives advice on looking after yourself in warm weather, especially if you have asthma or hayfever. It also provides information on where to go if you need help so we can keep A&E for life threatening emergencies. The leaflet is also available in a number of different languages.

» Triple P Teen Programme from Total Family Coaching

Raise happy, confdent teenagers. Manage behaviour and expectations so everyone enjoys life more. Set family routines and rules that everyone follows. Get along well with your teens and argue less. Balance work and family with less stress. 6 week online programme from Total Family Coaching.

» Family Forever Programme from Total Family Coaching

Family Forever is a programme designed to support families with complex need, delivering weekly sessions to address underlying issues such as poor mental health, bereavement, and/ or parenting difficulties. We provide adaptable and holistc family support and parentng advice including practcal assistance to improve household relatonships.

» Vodafone offer to registered charities

Apply for free mobile connectivity to support your charity. If you're a charity that needs support for digital inclusion programmes, you can apply for free Vodafone SIMs, each loaded with 40GB data a month for six months, plus unlimited calls and texts. You can use these however you like - for example, to provide connectivity to your service users or deliver training to people in need. We distribute SIMs through charities and cannot distribute SIMs to individuals.

» Neighbourhood Doulas - Free Doula Support in the Community

Neighbourhood Doulas provide free doula support for those who have no birth partner, and one or more of the following: Perinatal / historical mental health, from a racially marginalised community, and/or speaks English as a second language. Our focus is on prevention and wellbeing as we support women and birthing people who are at risk of harm due to racism, isolation, and digital poverty, which leads to disconnection from healthcare networks.

» Digital resources from Kooth and Quell online mental health support

Quell and Kooth are online digital support services for adults and young people suffering mental health difficulties and have a number of useful resources. guides, and videos that you can access via the links provided.

» Volunteer opportunities at Family Friends

Familty Friends offers befirending services to support disadvantaged families living in K&C, Westminster, H&F and Brent. They are currently looking for volunteers for their 2 befirending services - Family befriending which involves whole family support; and Big Buddies where volunteers support a young person aged 10 - 18 years. Commitment for either of the roles is a few hours weekly or fortnightly over a period of 6 - 12 months.

» How to capture and share learning from your project

Depending on what’s involved, the process for gathering useful learning from your project can get called ‘research’, ‘evaluation’ or ‘reflection’, for example. Whatever you call it, the basic steps for gathering learning that’s useful to you are the same. Take a look at the National Lottery Community Fund page for their top tips!

» Pro-bono legal support!

Herbert Smith Freehills are offering pro-bono legal support to race equality charities, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.This includes: Grants; trading and commercial contracts; Structuring and governance Employment and incentive; Tax; Charity law and regulatory compliance.

» The Chinese Welfare Trust Admiral Nurse Clinic

The Chinese Welfare Trust Admiral Nurse Clinic is available to the carers and families of people with dementia who are of Chinese or Southeast Asian origin. The Admiral Nurse takes the time to truly listen to a family's situation and suggest methods to deal with symptoms and coping strategies for the challenges dementia can bring.

» Bi Borough VCS Health and Wellbeing Strategy

This Strategy has been developed over a period of months through a collaborative process with the voluntary and community sector and colleagues from across the statutory sector/NHS. It presents a number of case studies from the VCS that illustrate its main goals and offers a set of clear recommended actions.

» WCC Grant Funding opportunities information page

Please see the Westminster City Council landing page for all upcoming council grant funding opportunities for the VCS.

» Safeguarding training for BME groups

This course has been developed to provide attendees with an awareness of what adult safeguarding is as set out under the provisions of the Care Act 2014 and support staff to identify signs and indicators of abuse and neglect and to understand the referral pathway to raise a safeguarding concern.

» What's in the Community resource page

What's in the Community Resource page collects information / flyers about services and activities and support resources available in or to RBKC residents divided in sections such as Massages/ Acupuncture, Food, Warm hubs, Cost of living support, Debt, benefits, and housing advice, Education and training, and much more.

» New Dementia Adviser for Westminster

We are pleased to introduce you to the new Dementia Adviser for Westminster, Skia Fentiman. She will be offering advice and support for those living with dementia in Westminster and also coordinates events such as the free Memory Cafes. The next one is coming up on 30th November.

» EMBARRASSED by Steve McQueen - A short film

Here is Steve McQueen's EMBARRASSED - a short film created to help raise awareness of prostate cancer within the black community and featuring Idris Elba CBE, Chiwetel Ejiofor CBE, Michael Ward, and Morgan Freeman.. The message is that if you are a black man aged over 45 you should ask your GP for a PSA test. Prostate cancer is generally easy to treat (without chemotherapy) and survivable if caught reasonably early.

» Report of Joint Committee on Human Rights: Black people, racism, and human rights

Please download and see the House of Commons/ House of Lords Joint Committee on Human Rights report: Black people, racism, and human rights - including formal minutes relating to the report.

» Free online contraception - 16+

Residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council can now access free contraception online. All you need to do is register on the website, you will directed to the contraception page where you will find all methods available these include; Emergency Hormonal Contraception, Progesterone only pill and the Combined only pill.

» Kooth - FREE online support for young people

Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.

» Mother's Support Group

Westminster Befriend a Family runs a Mother’s Support Group at Derry Hall on the Church Street Estate, between 10am and 12pm every Wednesday. It’s a place for mums and mums to be to meet up, have a (free!) cup of tea or coffee and enjoy some cake and a chat.

» March 2019 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Hammersmith & Fulham CCG's Financial Recovery Plans - request for feedback; Westminster and RBKC Councils' Dementia Strategy - request for local community input; Iraqi Association presentation; World Foods Carbs and Cals book (specifically targeted at BAME communities) Update from Diabetes Transformation team.

» December 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Request for feedback on NHS 111 service; Information about Latent TB and raising awareness; request for feedback on Primary and Urgent Care services in H&F; Volunteer Centre K&C - working with BME organisations

» ADKC Disability Connect project

The Disability Connect project is for socially isolated disabled people (with a physical, sensory or hidden impairment) who need or would like some encouragement and support to get out and about doing activities of interest to them.

» September 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Health Help Now App, GP Extended Hours, FAWA (French African Welfare Association), Central London Youth Development Trust cooking Sessions with children, Mosaic Community Trust programmes with Local Women in Church Street

» Sexual Health London - Free Home STI Testing Kit

Sexual Health London have commissioned an online sexual health testing website. It provides sexual health testing via post kit - very useful for young people and vulnerable groups.

» Kooth.com Free online support and wellbeing 365 days per year

Kooth.com is a professional mental health and wellbeing service, commissioned to Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham and Westminster FREE to use for 11-19 year olds.

» June 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Creating a new dietary resource for BAME communities with Diabetes and H&F Outcomes Framework, Update on the equalities framework & GP Extended Hours

» March 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Theme: Integrated Care - My Care My Way and Engagement work done around Integrated Care Outcomes Framework

» December 2017 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Theme: Tackling Obesity in BME communities

» September 2017 Quarterly Meetings Notes

Theme: Improving the Health and Wellbeing of disadvantaged communities in Hammersmith & Fulham

» Professional Interpreters: Language is Everything

A supplier of professional interpreters – face-to-face, by telephone and written translations. We offer 136 different languages and dialects for face-to-face assignments in London and more by telephone. We have an office in North Westminster and are already supplying to Local Authority frontline teams, NHS Trusts and national third sector organisations working within the Tri-borough meaning that our interpreters know the area and are already on the ground, daily.

» June 2017 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Habits and Addictions in BME communities

» The Alcohol Service

Change, grow, live is a social care and health charity that works with individuals who want to change negative patterns of behaviour and achieve positive and life-affirming goals.

» March 2017 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME:Getting involved in improving services

» December 2016 Quarterly Meeting Notes

THEME: Migration, Homelessness and Mental Health

» July 20th Diabetes Open Meeting Notes

THEME: Diabetes and Black Minority Ethnic Communities

» May 2016 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Domestic Abuse among BME Communities. This meeting explored the issue of Domestic Abuse from many different angles such as the barriers around housing, the particular difficulties for people with no recourse to public funds and the psychological issues for young people who have been exploited...

» March 2016 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Stigma. This meeting's theme was about stigma and how it contributes to inequalities and stops people accessing services. We heard presentations discussing stigma in many different contexts from mental health and sexual health to the stigma surrounding disabilities, gender transitioning and dying.

» Healthy Relationships:Healthy Baby Programme

Pregnancy is a time of hope but can also bring challenges and strains. Healthy Relationships:Healthy Baby is a new programme from a local charity, especially for expectant mums and dads living in Westminster. Our dedicated team will work with you and your family so you can bring an end to hurtful behavior...

» December 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Young People's Health & Wellbeing. This was a great meeting to attend to hear about projects in the voluntary sector and ask our NHS commissioners and providers some searching questions. Presentations included: Westminster Mind, Spectra, Al Badja and the Westminster council...

» The Talking Talk Shop at The Dalgarno Trust, Wednesdays 11am - 12.30pm

The Talking Talk Shop is now open at The Dalgarno Trust on Wednesdays from 11am - 12.30pm. We work with people from all backgrounds with varying disabilities, who are on waiting list or finished counselling but wish to continue talking in a confidential, relaxed and safe environment...

» September 2015 Quarterly Meeting Notes

THEME: DEMENTIA - This was a great event to attend to find out more about how services for people with Dementia have been planned and delivered and question the people in charge of doing so. It was also a great opportunity to find out more about how to support people with Dementia and what services are available in the NHS and the third sector including some specialist services for BME communities.

» SMART Projects Stop Smoking Service

SMART Projects is launching a Stop Smoking Service, funded by the Kensington & Chelsea Social Council and in partnership with the Kick-it Stop Smoking Service. SMART will be providing Stop smoking advice on a one to one basis and workshops for people who would like to find out more...

» Al-Aman (DVIP) Arabic Speaking service

DVIP’s Al-aman service has continued to receive funding from London Councils to support women from Arabic speaking communities who have been affected by gender based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour based violence...

» Different Voices’ Directory of Services in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea

A directory of services was produced by the Different Voices Group at The Advocacy Project. It is a user involvement group that focuses on improving inpatient services and tackling the stigma attached to mental health. All the recommendations in the booklet are based on the service users’ own experiences of having used those services...

» Royal Trinity Hospice launches new dementia service in Kensington and Chelsea

Royal Trinity Hospice has launched a new service to support people with dementia and their carers living in Kensington and Chelsea, tackling recognised inequalities in access to palliative and end of life care.Funded by West London CCG, Trinity’s specialist Community Dementia Nurse will support people...

» Conversational English for beginners (for over 50s)

Brush up on your spoken, written and grammatical English to become a more confident speaker! For people aged 50 and over. TUESDAYs - 10.00am – 12.00pm. £3.00 per class @ New Horizons, Guinness Trust Estate, Cadogan Street, London, SW3 2PF...

» Healthier Homes Project

The Healthier Homes Project is a Public Health funded project to assist in reducing hospital admissions, GP visits and winter deaths caused by residents living in homes that are too cold, damp or are in dangerous conditions that put their health at risk.The project works as a referral service...

» ANGELOU Referrals

Angelou is a partnership of 9 organisations offering a shared service across Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster supporting women and girls who are experiencing violence and abuse.

» June 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: SUPPORTING PEOPLE APPROACHING THE END OF THEIR LIVES. This meeting was about how to best support people who are approaching the end of their lives. Public health are conducting a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) about end of life care and would like to hear from you about how you feel services work currently and any gaps that there might be...

» March 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH & WELLBEING

» Services

» Activities/Courses

» December 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: WHOLE SYSTEMS INTEGRATED CARE

» September 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: FGM

» New Young Women's Domestic Violence project for Arabic speakers

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan's Women's Centre have a new project for young women of Arabic backgrounds who have or are experiencing domestic violence. The service is aimed at young women aged between 16 and 25 years old who live in London...

» June 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: MENTAL WELLBEING

» Counselling Services for female survivors of domestic and sexual abuse (Westminster and K&C)

Please be aware of the free Therapeutic Services provided by Solace Women’s Aid in Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. These include:1to1 counselling for female survivors of domestic violence age 14 + (Ascent). 1to1 counselling for female survivors of sexual violence including child sexual abuse (aged 14+)...

» New Domestic Abuse service for Arabic speaking Women

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre has recently been successful in securing funding for a new project to support young, vulnerable women of Arabic speaking backgrounds who are or have experienced domestic abuse. Our service is aimed at young women aged between 16 and 25 years old...

» Kick-It FREE Stop Smoking Support service for local communities

The Free Stop Smoking Support sessions include specialist behavioural support by certified Stop Smoking Practitioners, which will improve the client’s motivation as well as help building up capacities and strategies to stay smoke-free...

» Westminster Connect - Peer support group

The peer support is for people aged 18 to 60 who have a physical disability, hearing or sight impairments and those with long term health conditions. Westminster Connect also co-ordinates peer support for Deaf people...

» April 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Unscheduled care - the utilisation of A and E and Urgent care services by BME communities

» Housing and resettlement, Welfare benefits and debt advice (Westminster)

The Bayswater Families Centre, in conjunction with CAB, Homestart and Z2K are holding Drop-in Advice sessions covering: Housing Advice and Assistance; Resettlement Advice and Assistance; Welfare benefits Advice and Assistance; Debt Advice and Assistance...

» Zumba at Portobello Green Fitness Club

Fridays 2 - 3pm, Portobello Green Fitness Club. Price £2.10. It's fun, It's fitness, It's ZUMBA!...

» IKWRO - Self Confidence Support Group for Women

Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) is registered charity that provides confidential support, advice and advocacy and outreach to women and girls of Middle Eastern origin. We work to help women and girls who are facing gender based violence...

» November 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: URGENT CARE – ‘IS THE NHS MEETING THE NEEDS OF BME COMMUNITIES?’

» September 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: 'HAVE YOUR SAY ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICES AND THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE'

» K&C Mind HARP Group (Hoarding, Acquiring Recovery Planning)

The HARP Support Group is a new, monthly, facilitated self-help programme, for people who are motivated to develop strategies and actions to manage and modify compulsive hoarding behaviour...

» British Red Cross Refugees and Befriending Project

The British Red Cross runs four 'Refugees and Befriending Projects' (R'n'B) for young unaccompanied refugees and asylum seekers aged 14-21. Our peer-led befriending projects are facilitated by peer-befrienders and adult volunteers...

» December 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: IMPROVING OUR MENTAL WELLBEING

» September 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: IMPROVING NHS COMMUNITY SERVICES – KEEPING PEOPLE OUT OF HOSPITAL

» June 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

» July 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

» Free Days Out for Carers in Kensington and Chelsea

We also offer free training courses, complimentary therapies, other free events, talks and social meet-ups - booking essential...

» March 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» June 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» September 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» December 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» March 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

Date & Time: 7th March 12, 10am – 1pm, Venue: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU, Theme: Men’s Health & Wellbeing

» March 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Women’s Health & Wellbeing Date: 6th March 2013 Venue: Lighthouse West Lodon

» Domestic abuse and Sexual violence Information about Helpline services in your area

Please see below some information about domestic and sexual violence helplines that are funded by London Councils and available in your area...

» Psychological Therapies in languages other than English

Please note that all NHS psychological therapy services are obliged to provide an interpreter for people who are not fluent English speakers. This includes counselling services offered by GP practices as well as IAPT or other mental health services offered by CNWL or CLCH...

» Personalisation Project at the Chinese Mental Health Association

The Befriending Service at the Chinese Mental Health Association is running a pilot Personalisation project for ethnic Chinese sufferers of mental health. Personalisation is about giving people with needs, choice and control over their care, with support and resources provided by their local authority...

» Fit for Work Service in Kensington & Chelsea now expanding to Westminster and Hammermith & Fulham

Fit for Work Service in Kensington & Chelsea now expanding to Westminster and Hammermith & Fulham

» Maternity Action Advice Line

Maternity Action’s Advice Line offers free confidential telephone support. We will listen to you and try to understand all the issues you are facing. We will then provide you with information that is relevant to you and your situation...

» Breathe Easy Support Group

DO YOU LIVE IN PIMLICO AND SUFFER FROM A BREATHING PROBLEM? BREATHE EASY PADDINGTON is your Westminster patient support group, for anyone affected by a lung condition. We offer mutual support, information...

» Healthworks

HEALTHWORKS√ offers a range of services to help the residents of Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster and surrounding boroughs

» Rape Crisis London

Rape Crisis London has four centres that offer help, information and support to women and girls who have experienced sexual violence of any kind, at any time of their lives...

» Substance misuse services - NEW three borough service

Turning Point and Blenheim have been commissioned to provide the new substance misuse service in Westminser, RBKC, and Hammersmith & Fulham. This service is named the Recovery & Wellbeing network and will transform the way that drug and alcohol services are provided locally...

» Health Centre for walk-in (unregistered) patients

The Halfpenny Steps Health Centre provides health services for registered and walk-in patients. It is staffed with a team of GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver a high quality, continuous service...

» Public Health Training Service - RBKC

The Royal Borough can help your business. We offer award-winning training on Food Safety and Health and Safety. We also offer Environmental Principles training, Personal Licence Holders training and Customer Service Training...

» Dementia Adviser Service in Westminster

The Westminster Dementia Adviser service provides advice, information and guidance to those who have received a diagnosis of dementia, as well as their families and supporters. As well as working in partnership with NHS...

» Housing Factsheet Library

Some housing factsheets on key housing issues. The fact sheets provide a very basic summary of the issue, the possible actions you can take, and who to contact for further information...

» Get Active! - Affordable activities for all abilities and ages at the Beethoven Centre

See details below for affordable activities for all abilities and ages available at the Beethoven Centre...

» North London Rape Crisis Service

North London Rape Crisis offers free, confidential counselling, advocacy and holistic therapies to women aged 14 and over who live, work or study in Islington, Camden, Westminster, Barnet, Enfield, Kensington and Chelsea and Haringey...

» Helpline for Maternity Services

The maternity helpline provides direct access to clinical support and advice to women and their families, irrespective of whether you are a patient of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a visitor to the area or simply require information and support.

» Women's Wellbeing, Patient Empowerment and Mental Health & Wellbeing projects at Mosaic Community Trust

The Mosaic Community Trust’s Women’s Well-Being Project seeks to empower women who are socially disadvantaged. The Patient Empowerment and Engagement project aims to raise awareness in the local community on the availability and effective use primary care health services...

» NHS videos aimed at newly arrived migrants in various languages

Here are a series of short films on how to use the NHS aimed at newly arrived migrants produced by the Black Health Agency. The film is available in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi/Dari, French, Kurdish, Mandarin, Polish, Somali, Sylheti and Urdu...

» Fit-for-Life - Free 8 week weight loss programme

This FREE eight week group behaviour change programme is designed to help the patients to lose weight, get fitter and make more informed choices about your diet and lifestyle...

» Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) - Westminster service

STRESSED, ANXIOUS, DEPRESSED? If you are finding it difficult to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression, we can offer quick and easy access to help and support...

» HELP Counselling - low cost short & long term counselling service

Based in Portobello Road, Notting Hill Gate, London, HELP Counselling Centre provides short & long-term counselling based on an affordable, sliding scale for people who need support in negotiating a crisis as well as for those who wish to consider their life patterns and choices...

» FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Service

West London African Women's service - Community support and information...

» LIVING WELL - Wellbeing services

Living Well offers a wide range of high-quality health related services aimed at providing people with the skills they need to get the most out of life. Services include HIV service, Youth service and Community support service...

» Healthier Life for You blog

Healthier LIfe 4 You is a community organisation not for profit with charitable aims. We aim to promote Health and Wellbeing to local people in the community (Families, Children & Young people). As well as running Health workshops, we use Dance, Art & Craft and Leisure activities to enable service users to achieve emotional and Physical wellbeing...

» South Westminster Centre for Health

Provides community and specialist dental services, district nursing, nutrition and dietetics, diabetes and podiatry (foot health) services, Speech and language therapy for children...

» Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service at ADVANCE

ADVANCE is a specialist domestic violence crisis intervention service. We support women who are assessed as being high or very high risk of continued domestic and sexual abuse and those at risk of being killed...

» GO4mental health

A website/ directory for mental health service users in Westminster...

» Deaf Hope Services

Deaf Hope is a new specialist domestic abuse service for Deaf women and children, and the first service of its kind in the UK. We have been established around 18 months and our current funding is...

» Counselling Directory - search for a counsellor or psychotherapist near you

Counselling Directory was set up as a free, confidential service to encourage those in distress to seek help. Visitors can read about different areas of distress, view useful articles written by counsellors and refine their...

» Help for your Family with Home-Start (Westminster)

We support ANY family in Westminster who needs us, providing there is at least 1 child under 5. Rich or poor, settled or transient.Our trained volunteers help to give encouragement and support to change the pattern of troubled lives...

» Westminster Wellbeing - Free NHS service promoting Health and Wellbeing

Westminster Wellbeing is a free NHS service promoting health and wellbeing within communities and organisations in Westminster. We provide a range of services which include training and workshops for community organisations...

» Jobs/Volunteering