Lewisham celebrates progress on health inequalities at borough-wide event
Hosted by Lewisham Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Catherine Mbema, the event showcased the progress made over the last two years in embedding equity into local health services and community partnerships, particularly in addressing health disparities affecting Black African, Caribbean, and other underserved groups.
Dr Mbema, who welcomed attendees and gave an overview of the programme, said: “This programme has been a collective journey of action and accountability. Today’s celebration is not just about what we’ve done, it’s about sustaining and expanding this vital work.”
The afternoon opened with a moving spoken word performance by artist Yasmin Ali, whose powerful poem on health inequalities set a reflective and emotional tone, resonating deeply with attendees.
This was followed by powerful reflections from Health Inequalities Programme leads and real-world case studies from local organisations including Therapy 4 Healing, Diversity Health and Wellbeing CIC, Red Ribbon Living Well, and Africa Advocacy Foundation. The event also spotlighted the work of the Birmingham and Lewisham African Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR) community partner, Social Inclusion Recovery Group (SIRG), which has brought together more than 500 voices to shape a community-led mandate for change.
Dr Aaminah Verity, Clinical Lead for Health Equity in Lewisham, introduced the borough’s Health Equity Teams (HETs), a nationally recognised model for hyperlocal, community-informed health initiatives embedded in primary care.
“The HET model demonstrates what’s possible when clinicians and communities come together with shared purpose,” said Dr Verity. “This is a properly resourced programme, with GPs and VCSOs paid for their time, which enables health equity to be fully prioritised. It delivers on what communities have told us matters most: building trust, empowering local voices, and fostering genuine engagement. The work is grounded in trust, listening and action, leading to real improvements in early intervention, health checks, and support for long-term conditions.”
The celebration also included presentations on borough-wide cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and evaluation findings from the Health Innovation Network South London and Centric Community Research evaluation of the first cycle of Lewisham Health Equity Teams, which highlighted the programme’s positive impact on local health leadership, community confidence, and access to care.
The day finished on a high with a vibrant and uplifting performance from IRIE! Dance Theatre. The performance had the audience on their feet and dancing, bringing the event to an energising close that reflected the spirit of connection, joy and shared purpose.
The event also marked the launch of Lewisham’s new Health Equity Community of Practice network – bringing together professionals from across sectors who are committed to co-producing fairer, more inclusive health systems.
For more information on the Health Equity Programme and how to join the Community of Practice Network, please email: Healthinequalities@lewisham.gov.uk. You can also visit our dedicated webpage.