Residents across Westminster are experiencing significant improvements in their health and wellbeing thanks to the Healthy Communities Fund (HCF), a major community initiative led by
Westminster City Council. New figures show that between April and September 2025, the programme attracted around 3,250 regular attendances each week across 80 community sessions, highlighting the growing impact of community-led health support.
A £5 million programme focused on healthier communities
The Healthy Communities Fund is a three-year, £5 million programme delivered in partnership with 42 local community organisations. Its goal is simple but ambitious: provide free, locally run activities that help Westminster residents build healthier lives.
The programme plays a key role in the council’s long-term vision of creating a fairer and healthier city by 2035. By focusing on communities that face the greatest health inequalities, HCF helps residents develop healthier routines, learn how to prevent illness, and adopt lifestyle changes that reflect their cultural and community needs.
Through regular activities held in trusted neighbourhood spaces, residents are supported to:
- Eat healthier and improve nutrition
- Stay physically active
- Build social connections
- Strengthen emotional wellbeing
- Reduce harmful substance use
- Better manage long-term health conditions
Community-led prevention delivering real results
Partners delivering the programme report notable improvements in health awareness and education, particularly around conditions such as diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health, and how to access NHS services.
These improvements are already translating into real behavioural change. Many residents are increasing their physical activity, improving their diets, and taking more control over chronic health conditions.
Cllr Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector, said: “What we are seeing is real life examples of prevention happening in trusted local spaces. Thanks to the training and upskilling of our voluntary and community partners, residents are learning, connecting, and taking control of their health in ways traditional services alone could not achieve.”
Expanding health checks and early detection
Many HCF partners are now expanding their services to include **basic health screening and preventative care**, helping residents detect health issues earlier.
Activities now include:
- Blood pressure checks
- BMI monitoring
- Diabetes prevention discussions
- Smoking cessation support
For example, Mosaic Community Trust provides a range of wellbeing services including one-to-one support, therapeutic massage, health workshops, and gentle exercise sessions designed to improve both physical and emotional health.
As part of its holistic approach, Mosaic also offers weekly blood pressure checks. During these sessions, 10 participants were identified with high blood pressure and encouraged to consult their GPs for further medical advice and treatment.
Quote from Habiba Haque, Mosaic: “Over the years, Mosaic has built and nurtured strong, trusted relationships within the community and among our participants. Our deep understanding of the communities we serve, combined with a culturally sensitive and respectful approach to their needs and concerns, is at the heart of that trust and confidence in Mosaic. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and culturally appropriate and inclusive service for women of the global majority.
Many of our participants describe Mosaic as their second home, a place where they feel heard, supported, and valued. For many, time away from Mosaic makes them feel they are missing something important, which speaks to the strength of the connections formed here. We listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and work alongside our community, and it is this consistent care and understanding that continues to strengthen and sustain the trust we have built over the years”.
Tackling loneliness and improving mental health
Beyond physical health, the programme has also had a powerful impact on mental wellbeing and social connection.
Across Westminster, partners report that participants are experiencing:
- Reduced loneliness
- Improved confidence
- Stronger emotional wellbeing
Many activities provide women-only and culturally sensitive spaces, helping residents feel comfortable accessing support.
Youth programmes are also producing impressive results. At Caxton Youth Organisation, 92% of young participants reported improved mental wellbeing through sports and group activities.
Young attendees shared positive feedback, describing the sessions as motivating and energising. One participant said sports sessions made them feel “motivated and excited,” while another explained they help them “stay calm and build confidence.”
What comes next for Westminster’s community health
Building on the programme’s success, the council is preparing to launch a new Healthy Hearts initiative, which will work with 14 HCF partner organisations to provide structured cardiovascular risk checks, lifestyle coaching, smoking cessation support, and other heart-health interventions.
Although the Healthy Communities Fund will conclude in December 2026, its work will continue through the upcoming HealthWorks service, designed to ensure the programme’s health improvements remain a lasting part of Westminster’s community support system.
By strengthening local partnerships and empowering residents to take control of their health, Westminster’s community-led approach is showing how prevention and grassroots engagement can transform public health outcomes.