Lewisham launches second Health Equity Teams cycle
After being welcomed by Dr Catherine Mbema MBE, Director of Public Health, Dr Aaminah Verity, Community of Practice Lead for Health Equity in Lewisham, introduced each team, who spoke passionately about their respective projects.
The event opened with a powerful spoken word performance by Amaarah Roze, whose piece explored themes of equity, everyday injustice and collective action. Reflecting on what “the revolution” looks like in daily life, her words set the tone for a morning rooted in lived experience, honesty and hope.
We also heard from Esther Onyeka, Public Affairs and Policy Manager at the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), presented the Black Health Improvement Framework, highlighting the persistent health inequalities experienced by Black communities and the need for system-wide, anti-racist approaches grounded in community leadership.
Running until March 2027, this cycle deepens our commitment to tackling cardiovascular inequalities among Black and underserved communities in the borough.
Dr Mbema said:
“The Health Equities Programme shows what is possible when we bring together clinical expertise, community leadership and the lived experiences of our residents. In Lewisham, we are committed to redesigning systems so everyone has the same access to healthcare and the chance to live long, healthy lives.”
How the programme works
Six GPs, known as Health Equity Fellows, from primary care networks across Lewisham are paired with a Black‑led voluntary and community sector organisation.
Together, they co‑produce projects aimed at reducing inequalities in one of four major cardiovascular areas: atrial fibrillation, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
Over the course of the programme, the teams spend time embedded in the community: engaging with residents, hosting events and making recommendations for how we can improve access to health services in the borough.
In this cycle, projects range from health events and gardening programmes to walking groups and peer‑support networks. Each initiative is designed to improve health outcomes and help build residents’ trust in health services.
We are also training a new cohort of community champions to deliver blood pressure and kidney checks in trusted spaces such as barber shops, community centres and faith venues. By meeting people where they are, we aim to remove barriers to early detection and make sure underserved residents receive the care they need sooner.
The event closed with reflections from Ceri Jacobs, Lewisham Place Executive Director, who reinforced the importance of partnership working and sustained commitment to achieving health equity across the borough.
For more information on the programme and to find out more about our teams for cycle 2, visit our health inequalities webpage.
