More than 3,000 residents in Westminster took a step towards healthier living last year, thanks to the Healthy Communities Fund (HCF). Established in January 2024, this three-year initiative aims to assist voluntary and community organizations in delivering health interventions in the most deprived areas of Westminster. With a generous £5 million budget, the fund has been able to support an average of 126 activities per week across the borough since its inception.
One of the organizations benefiting from the HCF is the Middle Eastern Women’s Society (MEWSO), which utilized the support to expand its healthy cooking classes, walking groups, and establish new peer support networks. Aman Zanoon, the project manager at MEWSO, expressed enthusiasm about the positive response to their healthy cooking classes in Church Street, stating, “The sessions became so popular that we now have a waiting list of women keen to join. Beyond the cooking, these classes have inspired broader changes in our participants’ lives.”
Each recipient of the fund tailors their activities to address specific health needs in the community, such as supporting residents with physical disabilities, promoting healthier versions of traditional dishes, and addressing challenges in staying active outside of fitness classes. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the interventions are targeted and relevant to the community they serve.
The impact of the HCF in Westminster has been significant, with reported health outcomes including weight loss, improved blood pressure, and increased screening and vaccination uptake. Looking ahead to 2025, further training will be provided to ensure that organizations can sustain their services in the future, with a focus on mental health, diabetes, and hypertension.
Cllr Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health, and the Voluntary Sector, commended the progress made by the HCF in just one year. She emphasized the importance of empowering local grassroots community organizations to address health inequalities, stating, “To address health inequalities, it is essential to engage communities in activities they find interesting and enjoyable which have wider benefits, touching not only on healthy eating and physical activity but also on mental health and reducing isolation.”
In conclusion, the Healthy Communities Fund has proven to be a valuable resource in enhancing the health and well-being of Westminster residents. Through targeted interventions, community engagement, and ongoing support for organizations, the initiative is making strides in promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing health disparities in the area. As the fund continues to evolve and expand its reach, the positive impact on the community is expected to grow exponentially.
