Lewisham Health Equity Teams
Applications are open until 12 noon on 14 April 2025 to join the second wave of Health Equity Teams. We are looking for GPs and voluntary and community organisations to co-design 22-month projects aimed at preventing strokes and heart attacks in Black and underserved communities.
Contact: healthinequalities@lewisham.gov.uk to express interest or ask questions.
Download the application form.
Programme Goals:
- Work with communities: Partner with VCSOs and Health Equity Fellows to find real solutions.
- Help GPs reach people: Identify those who are unaware of their health issues and support better health for all.
- Listen to communities: Ensure people have a say in how primary care is designed and delivered.
- Create real change: Improve health for Lewisham’s Black and underserved residents.
What are Health Equity Teams?
The Lewisham Health Equity Teams programme brings together health and care partners with local community organisations to find new ways to reduce health inequality in the borough.
Background
Lewisham has a strong history of partnership with local communities. Our Community Development Team engages with residents and the voluntary sector to carry out community development activities. The Council collaborates with various partners to understand and address inequality.
In 2022, Lewisham and Birmingham councils published the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR), exploring health inequalities experienced by Black African and Caribbean communities. The aim was to find sustainable approaches to break decades of inequity.
As part of the Health Inequalities Programme, Public Health Lewisham commissioned six organisations to partner with all six Lewisham Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to address health inequalities and achieve health equity. These organisations worked with Lewisham Health Equity Fellows to co-produce local projects based on the BLACHIR report. This first cycle ran from 2022 to 2024. Building on this, we are now starting the second cycle.
How does the programme work?
We aim to commission six voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs) to work with Lewisham PCNs. These VCSOs will collaborate with newly recruited Lewisham Health Equity Fellows to co-produce projects addressing cardiovascular disease and health inequalities, focusing on preventing heart attacks and strokes in Black and underserved residents. Projects will be designed based on local needs, health data, and community voices.
Focus Areas:
- Target health inequalities: Address issues in marginalised and underrepresented groups.
- Innovative approaches: Provide accessible, targeted health care and culturally competent advice.
- Streamline pathways: Improve access to general practice and medication compliance.
- Holistic approach: Support social factors that affect health in general practice.
- Engaging services: Develop services that promote health and reduce inequalities.
How to apply
Submit proposals via email to publichealthcommissioning@lewisham.gov.uk by midday on Monday 14 April 2025.
You can also contact the project lead on healthinequalities@lewisham.gov.uk to express interest or ask questions.