BME Health Forum :: Young Healthwatch Westminster

Young Healthwatch Westminster

This year Healthwatch will be focusing on capturing the views of young people in Westminster.

To do this they will be setting up a Young Healthwatch Westminster. This will be a group of young people who share their views and experiences of healthcare in the borough, and use this feedback to help shape the services they use.

How to get involved?

If you're between 14 - 25, use health or social care services in Westminster, and would like to have a say in how local healthcare services are run, please get in touch.

If you know someone who might be interested, please let them know about our new project.

You can find out more about Young Healthwatch and the benefits of joining by clicking find out more below.

Find out more

Latest News/Events/Jobs

» EVENT: Engaging Key Communities in Tackling FGM and other Harmful Practices in Bristol

Join FORWARD and Refugee Women of Bristol on the 27th Feb as we celebrate the successes of our community engagement programme in Bristol and discuss ways forward in working together to end female genital mutilation (FGM). We invite community members, partners, key professional agencies and individuals to join us.

» New internship positions at FORWARD

Youth Programme Internship. Unpaid, full/part time both considered, 6 months (apply by 28th Feb). Communications and Events Internship, Unpaid, weekly travel/lunch allowance, minimum 2 days a week, 3 months (apply by 28th Feb).Research and Evaluation Intern, £17745 per annum pro rata, 2 days a week (apply by 7th March)

» Sexual Health Conference 27 March 2019

Would you like to gain a greater understanding of sexual health and wellbeing issues your clients may face and take away tools to support them? Would you like to meet key local sexual health and wellbeing practitioners, build partnerships and share your stories? K&C Social Council are holding a Free Sexual Health Conference

» Men's Health Wellbeing Day - 27th February 10am - 3pm at Dalgarno Trust

The day will include guest speakers, NHS health screenings, and access to specialist information from info stalls on Diabetes, Prostate Cancer, Mental Health, alcohol, and organisations such as London Fire Brigade and CHelsea Football Club. Free lunch for attendees and goodie bags

» GET CREATIVE! Free 8 week Art course at Dalgarno Trust

Get Creative with Hossein Khosrojerdi. Free 8 week art sessions on Tuesdays from 11am - 1pm from 19th February - 28th March at the Dalgarno Trust.

» Cervical Screening Project in Hammersmith and Fulham

Over 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and it is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. Cervical screening – or a smear test – can help find cervical irregularities before they develop into cervical cancer and saves lives. The Cervical Screening service is free

» Civil Society Data Project (Survey and Workshop)

The GLA (Greater London Authority) alongside DatakindUK and led by Superhighways is looking at the issue of how refugee and migrant organisations manage and share data. The survey seeks to find out how small charities, community groups and volunteers working with migrants and refugees make use of data.

» FREE Level 1 & 2 course in Computerised Accounting for Business with Sage

Peabody in conjunction with TDLC is running a 20days Level 1& 2 course in Computerised Accounting for Business with Sage line 50 cloud. The course is suitable for individuals with basic accounting experience with no formal qualifications.

» Mental health Peer Mentoring Introductory Course -7th March 2019

The Advocacy Project is very excited to be running a mental health peer mentoring introductory course which aims to support those who have experienced mental health to build upon their knowledge and skills in peer mentoring, so they are able to use their mental health experience to positively support others with mental health difficulties.

» JOBS: Carers Network are recruiting for 2 roles

Carers Network are recruiting for a Carers Service Manager (F/t) and a Volunteer Development Officer (P/t). Deadline to apply for both roles is 25th February.

» SASH for Women - International Women's Day Event - 7th March

This year SASH is celebrating International Women's Day by focussing on self-care and wellbeing. We’d love for your service users to join us for this free event on the 7th March. It’s an opportunity to get creative, pamper yourself, eat good food and find out how SASH can help you with your health and wellbeing.

» Invitation to join Local Account Group for Adult Social Care - Open Forum on 1st Feb

We are passionate about involving residents in every aspect of Adult Social Care’s work in Bi-borough. That means helping us design our services, being instrumental in the specifications of new systems, reviewing our day to day work, holding us to account, and celebrating successes with us.

» Help us improve diagnostic services

Do you live in North West London? Are you a patient or carer who would like to be part of a group working to improve diagnostic services? You would be part of a steering group looking at ways to improve diagnostic services.

» Youth Mental Health First Aid Training 7 March

This free 2-day course will give you an in-depth understanding of young people’s mental health and the factors that affect mental wellbeing. It is suitable for organisations working with young people aged 8-18 and is designed to give you the skills and confidence to guide young people towards the support they need.

» TB service at Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust

The TB service at Imperial (Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary’s hospitals) accepts self-referrals or from any health, social, support worker on behalf of a people:: with symptoms consistent with TB; that have been in close contact with someone with infectious TB; for latent TB screening age 0-65 years from countries with high TB incidence.

» New Employment and Wellbeing Service in Hammersmith & Fulham

Richmond Fellowship will be delivering a new comprehensive Employment and Wellbeing service for people with mental ill health living in the London borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.

» Loneliness and Social Isolation: - UFM Evaluation Report

The Advocacy Project would like to share with you their latest User Focused Monitoring report ‘Loneliness and Social Isolation: Mental health service users’ experiences and views’. The UFM team are more than happy to present our key findings or meet to discuss the recommendations.

» Palliative care review launches Tuesday 18th Dec 2019

A strategic review of palliative care services launches on Tuesday 18th December across Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. Please see attached letter and supporting guidance linked to this article - we look forward to receiving your feedback.

» Social Cycling Programme (RBKC) - Winter 2019

Cycling sessions start again on Monday 7 January. The social rides on Saturdays at the Westway Sports Centre are back! The first ride is on Saturday 12 January. Please see the timetable for full programme and details.

» FUNDING: Big Ideas & Innovation Fund (Turning Point)

Innovation Fund: Do you have a great idea that will improve your community? You provide the big idea, we provide between £500 and £2500 to support to make it happen + Big ideas Fund: We also have a BIG Ideas fund where we can support service users or individuals who have an innovative idea to share...

» Community Christmas Party Invitation

The Greenhouse Centre is holding a Community Christmas Party on the 14th December from 5 - 7.30pm. Come along and feel free to bring a plate of your favourite traditional dish and don't forget to wear your Christmas jumper!

» ADKC Disability Connect project

The Disability Connect project is for socially isolated disabled people (with a physical, sensory or hidden impairment) who need or would like some encouragement and support to get out and about doing activities of interest to them.

» Weekly drop-in for expectant parents

Hosted by Maternity Champions. For expecting and new parents (babies up to 12 months). Every Tuesday from 13th Nov 2018. Marylebone NW8.

» Pregnant? There's an app for that

NHS Mum and baby maternity app launch

» Fundraising role - P/T 4 hrs per week

LEGS Physiotherapy are looking to recruit a self-employed, part time (4 hours a week, term time only) experienced fundraiser

» Various job vacancies (London Funders)

Various positions advertised for Guys & St Thomas, London Sport, London Funders, London Community Foundation, City Bridge trust, NPC & more.

» Recruitment of BME Adopters

PACT are appealing for more people to consider adopting children of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) heritage

» Health and Strength chair based exercise programme

New programme from Notting Dale Community Champions - a chair based exercise class in partnership with Age UK

» Dementia survey/study

Help improve the care given to dementia patients by GPs - for family caregivers

» Flu Vaccine for over 65s

Public Health England has released some useful information about the flu vaccine for the over 65s

» Living with Hearing Loss Course

Chat about your hearing problems and learn great tips of how to overcome them. Friday Nov 9th 2018 from 10.30am - 12.00pm for 7 weeks. Elgin Close Resource Centre

» The GLAD Study

Depression and anxiety are common but complex disorders whose research needs very large sample sizes. The Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) study will be the largest ever single study of anxiety and depression, and aims to recruit >40,000 individuals.

» Diabetes Project - food carbohydrate content

NHS Diabetes Transformation Team are producing a book and app to help people understand the carbohydrate content of their food. The book is specifically aimed at Arabic, South Asian, Caribbean and African communities.

» September 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Health Help Now App, GP Extended Hours, FAWA (French African Welfare Association), Central London Youth Development Trust cooking Sessions with children, Mosaic Community Trust programmes with Local Women in Church Street

» Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea - social cycling programme

Updated for the second half of the autumn term - the free programme stops for the half term, from 22 to 26 October and starts again on Monday 29 October.

» Sexual Health London - Free Home STI Testing Kit

Sexual Health London have commissioned an online sexual health testing website. It provides sexual health testing via post kit - very useful for young people and vulnerable groups.

» Are you a parent or carer in Kensington & Chelsea? Young Families and Urgent Care survey

Over the next week, staff and volunteers will be at the St Charles Urgent Care Centre, talking to parents and carers about their experiences of using the service. Have you seen your GP or used urgent care services in the last year? Help us understand how these services are working for you!

» Research - addressing inequalities in weight management among Black and Ethnic Minority communities

Abimbola Ojo is currently undertaking a doctorate in public health, at the School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University. The focus of the research is on addressing inequalities in weight management among Black and Ethnic Minority communities. The study involves one to one telephone interviews with members of the Black and Ethnic Minority community, to gain insight into their dietary patterns, and their awareness of, and views on existing healthy eating resources.

» Free English classes for Arabic speaking women

ESOL classes at Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre The class start on the 18th September 2018 and runs every week on Tuesday from 10am-12pm

» Maternity Care in England and its Impact on Migrant Women

This study, released in September 2018 by Maternity Action, explores the experiences of women who faced charges for NHS maternity care. Most of the participants were socially and economically vulnerable but faced unrepayable debts for bills which they were sent from the NHS.

» Arabic Speaking Counsellor position

Community Living Well – Mother Tongue Counselling (Arabic & Farsi) have a vacancy for a Part Time (3 Days per week) Arabic Speaking Counsellor position as part of the Mother Tongue Counselling Service provided by Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster Mind.

» Service user and carer mental health involvement opportunity in London (volunteering)

An exciting opportunity for mental health service users and carers to shape London mental health services. The Advocacy Project are working with NHS England and the Healthy London Partnership to recruit people with experience of mental health issues (either as individuals or carers) to shape and influence a London-wide mental health programme called the Adult Mental Health Transformation Programme.

» MEWSo - Middle Eastern Women & Society Organisation

MEWSo aims to defend and protect women from violence both at home and in the wider community

» Certitude Fully Funded Learning Disability Champions Training

Certitude is a Charity providing personalised support for people living with Learning Disabilities, Autism and Mental Health support needs. Certitude have been given a grant from Health Education England to provide LD Champions Training to BAME information & Advice Services across London. This is free training for your service.

» Young Healthwatch Westminster

Healthwatch will be setting up a Young Healthwatch Westminster. This will be a group of young people who share their views and experiences of healthcare in the borough, and use this feedback to help shape the services they use. If you're between 14 - 25, use health or social care services in Westminster, and would like to have a say in how local healthcare services are run, please get in touch.

» FAWA African Men's Group Activities

Are you from the BME community or an African man over 50, living in Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea? Come and meet others to enjoy each other's company around our African traditional hot meals, dancing to old African music! FAWA offer 2 workshops to provide health messages.

» Men's boxing and Health workshops at the Dalgarno Trust

Boxing and Yoga/Mindfulness/Nutrition/Sexual Health workshops, throughout July

» Health Day - 28th July 2018

Saturday 28th July. 10.30am - 12.30pm and 3.30pm - 5.30pm. Diabetes, cancer & heart disease prevention. The Advent Centre, Crawford Place, London, W1H 5JE. Minister: Dr Elliott A. Williams

» Kooth.com Free online support and wellbeing 365 days per year

Kooth.com is a professional mental health and wellbeing service, commissioned to Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham and Westminster FREE to use for 11-19 year olds.

» Volunteer to raise awareness of bowel cancer

Bowel Cancer UK are looking for people across London and the UK to become Community Champions- to help raise awareness of bowel cancer in their local communities. If you are passionate about reducing the risk of cancer in your community, why not become one of our Champions and give short talks about the bowel cancer to groups around you who need this information.

» June 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Creating a new dietary resource for BAME communities with Diabetes and H&F Outcomes Framework, Update on the equalities framework & GP Extended Hours

» Over 50s Social and Wellness Cafe

Greenhouse Sports is pleased to have teamed up a number of local organisations who provide activities for Over 50s in Westminster to offer some great activities for older people.

» DIABETES: World Food Surveys + Foot Care Survey

The NHS North West London Diabetes Transformation team would like your help to provide the most appropriate advice about nutrition from ethnic minority communities, living with, or at risk of diabetes.

» Spectra Sexual Health Training - Professionals

Bespoke training sessions aimed at professionals who want a better basic understanding around matters on sexual health and the services

» Women & Girls Network are recruiting for five positions (Female Applicants Only)

Therapeutic Services Coordinator / Specialist Counsellors / Clinical Services Delivery Manager / Administrator / Research, Monitoring and Information Officer

» RBKC SUMMER CYCLING PROGRAMME 2018

RBKC Summer Cycling - a new programme to take us to the summer holidays. Our final training day will be Wednesday 18th July, but we have a few important dates coming up that we'd like you to make a note of.

» Queens Park Community Theatre - get involved

Queen’s Park Community Theatre is returning for another year of workshops, performances and training! Come and learn how to act, write or direct and see how theatre can be used to tackle important issues in Queen’s Park and beyond!

» Men's Voices - new Public Health England reproductive health survey

Can you help get the word out? Earlier this year, Men's Voices (and others) worked on a survey that Public Health England (PHE) was designing on reproductive health. It's now gone live and they're keen that as many men as possible in England, aged 16 years and over, complete it.

» Volunteer as a cervical cancer community champion

Can you help us save lives? Jostrust.org.uk are looking for volunteers to help prevent cervical cancer by speaking to women in their communities about smear tests! Please take a look at the leaflet attached or apply online via: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/community

» Volunteer Gardeners x2 needed for Urban Gardening Project

Location: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3BU. Purpose: To encourage local community people particularly vulnerable members to participate in Gardening Club to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers as a means to promote their wellbeing and social connections.

» Great opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing H&F residents - day out in Bushy Park

Come and take part in a health walk in the beautiful surroundings of Bushy Park - Wednesday 30th May 2018

» Maternity Action new resources

This is a quarterly bulletin of our latest research, training materials and policy papers on employment rights and entitlements for pregnant women and new mothers, migrant women's rights and access to maternity care

» Neurological conditions and mental health support evaluation

UFM is a User Focused Monitoring Project that has been running for 21 years. UFM evaluate mental health services in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea with the aim of improving them for other mental health services users. The next evaluation is about the mental health needs of people with neurological conditions.

» Social Cycling Programme

FREE cycling programme available to any adult who lives, works or study in RBKC. We have bikes available for people who don't have bikes at the Westway Sports Centre and at Chelsea Theatre.

» March 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Theme: Integrated Care - My Care My Way and Engagement work done around Integrated Care Outcomes Framework

» Treat Me Right! People with autism help train 1000 NHS and social care staff

People with autism are delivering new training that helps staff understand individual’s needs for support and service adjustments when using health and social care services in North West London.The aim of the training is to provide some simple do’s and don’ts for staff and prevent people from being perceived as challenging, when in fact their needs are not being understood and catered for.

» Opportunity for Free Facilitated Coaching

Pilotlight is an award-winning charity that provides charities and social enterprises access to strategic business support to become bigger, better and more sustainable. The programme offers 10 months of facilitated coaching from four senior business mentors (‘Pilotlighters’), free of charge.

» Free Women Only Yoga Classes in Church Street

You don't need to be flexible and fit to start enjoying yoga and its benefits. Yoga is for everyone. You will be guided to practice at your own level and ability. Join us at the Cockpit Theatre on Tuesdays from 10am until 11am.

» Free Creative Dance Classes for Children

Creative dance develops confidence, imagination and musicality, improves concentration, fitness and communication skills whilst having fun and making friends. Our workshops are facilitated by professional dancers experienced in working with children in a safe friendly environment with children's development at the heart of our activities. Come and have fun dancing with us.

» Breathe Easy Westminster

Wheezy? Breathless? You are not alone. Breathe Easy Westminster is your local patient support group for anyone affected by a lung condition. Come and join us for a cup of tea and a chat on: 3rd Monday of the month

» Mental health peer mentoring training course

Are you unemployed and want to get back into employment? Come and join us for a FREE taster session to see if peer mentoring is right for you. Then enroll onto our four week course to really get your peer mentoring career started.

» December 2017 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Theme: Tackling Obesity in BME communities

» Government proposals on children and young people's mental health

Ways for schools and colleges to support pupils' mental health are set out in a green paper, as well as plans for new mental health support teams.

» Diabetes Awareness Champions - Join the Fight

Become a Champion and have fun, receive dedicated training and support whilst raising Diabetes awareness across Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham.

» September 2017 Quarterly Meetings Notes

Theme: Improving the Health and Wellbeing of disadvantaged communities in Hammersmith & Fulham

» Invitation: BME Health Forum – NHS Choices Course Grant

Organisations that work with patients registered with Hammersmith & Fulham GP practices are invited to apply to deliver one or two 10 session courses benefiting a minimum of 10 clients per course whose level of English is at Entry Level 2. Each organisation will receive £790 for each course they deliver.

» SURVEY: Care Co-ordination Service (CCS) and Health Watch Survey

Primary care coordination services have changed in Westminster. Healthwatch and the Older Adults Group at the Advocacy Project want to hear your experiences of receiving support, so that we can check that the changes are improving people's lives.

» Professional Interpreters: Language is Everything

A supplier of professional interpreters – face-to-face, by telephone and written translations. We offer 136 different languages and dialects for face-to-face assignments in London and more by telephone. We have an office in North Westminster and are already supplying to Local Authority frontline teams, NHS Trusts and national third sector organisations working within the Tri-borough meaning that our interpreters know the area and are already on the ground, daily.

» June 2017 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Habits and Addictions in BME communities

» Next Diabetes User Group Meeting

Diabetes User Group meetings are monthly meetings which give patients and family members of people living with Diabetes the chance to influence and shape the ongoing development of Diabetes Services.

» 2.3 million pounds to fight diabetes in NW London area

We have been very fortunate in the North West London area that the NHS has been successful in winning a bid of 2.3 million pounds to fight diabetes. The money will be used to:

» The Alcohol Service

Change, grow, live is a social care and health charity that works with individuals who want to change negative patterns of behaviour and achieve positive and life-affirming goals.

» Shine:Warm and healthy homes for London

SHINE is a one stop shop established to tackle fuel poverty and reduce seasonal deaths and hospital admissions in London. Working in partnership across the city we’re delivering a package of interventions designed to improve seasonal health and wellbeing.

» March 2017 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME:Getting involved in improving services

» African Women's Care

AWC works with Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) adults, children and young people, fleeing domestic and sexual abuse including forced marriage, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, gang violence and ‘honour’-based violence.

» December 2016 Quarterly Meeting Notes

THEME: Migration, Homelessness and Mental Health

» July 20th Diabetes Open Meeting Notes

THEME: Diabetes and Black Minority Ethnic Communities

» May 2016 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Domestic Abuse among BME Communities. This meeting explored the issue of Domestic Abuse from many different angles such as the barriers around housing, the particular difficulties for people with no recourse to public funds and the psychological issues for young people who have been exploited...

» March 2016 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Stigma. This meeting's theme was about stigma and how it contributes to inequalities and stops people accessing services. We heard presentations discussing stigma in many different contexts from mental health and sexual health to the stigma surrounding disabilities, gender transitioning and dying.

» Healthy Relationships:Healthy Baby Programme

Pregnancy is a time of hope but can also bring challenges and strains. Healthy Relationships:Healthy Baby is a new programme from a local charity, especially for expectant mums and dads living in Westminster. Our dedicated team will work with you and your family so you can bring an end to hurtful behavior...

» December 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Young People's Health & Wellbeing. This was a great meeting to attend to hear about projects in the voluntary sector and ask our NHS commissioners and providers some searching questions. Presentations included: Westminster Mind, Spectra, Al Badja and the Westminster council...

» The Talking Talk Shop at The Dalgarno Trust, Wednesdays 11am - 12.30pm

The Talking Talk Shop is now open at The Dalgarno Trust on Wednesdays from 11am - 12.30pm. We work with people from all backgrounds with varying disabilities, who are on waiting list or finished counselling but wish to continue talking in a confidential, relaxed and safe environment...

» January issue of K&C Mind's Peer Support Network newsletter, #PeerTalk

#PeerTalk: K&C Mind’s Peer Support Network Newsletter - This issue includes:Happy new year; PeerFest 2015; Peer Support Fair; Steering Group; Peer Bank; Peer Support Directory; Marsh Award; Peer Support in the news; Dates for the diary...

» LSCB Newsletter for January 2016

The LSCB Newsletter for January 2016 is now available to download. Please note that the newsletter particularly highlights the Tri-Borough LADO role [Local Authority Designated Officer], whose purpose is to investigate any allegations of misconduct amongst staff who work with children and/or young people...

» MEWSO's January 2016 Newsletter

Middle Eastern Women & Society Organisation's January newsletter is now published. We have a new section called "your say" where we will feature our reader's opinions on issues such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, and women's rights...

» New Patient Participation Group Best Practice Guide!

Healthwatch Central West London have a new Patient Participation Group Best Practice Guide! Thinking about starting up a PPG, joining a group or getting more members for your PPG? Then have a read of this guide! It has top tips on recruiting patients, the roles and responsibilities of a PPG, and the support...

» September 2015 Quarterly Meeting Notes

THEME: DEMENTIA - This was a great event to attend to find out more about how services for people with Dementia have been planned and delivered and question the people in charge of doing so. It was also a great opportunity to find out more about how to support people with Dementia and what services are available in the NHS and the third sector including some specialist services for BME communities.

» Peer Support Network - New Monthly Newsletter (November Issue)

Kensington and Chelsea Mind’s Peer Support Network have a new monthly newsletter, called #PeerTalk. November is the first issue...

» New Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) Single Point of Access

The new CNWL Single Point of Access was launched on 3rd November 2015. This is a one-stop entry point into working age adult secondary community mental health services for patients living in the North West London boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, K&C, and Westminster...

» Why do men engage less with primary health care? - [from People First Website]

On People First: Why do men engage less with primary health care? Men, on average, visit the GP 20% less than women, and younger men visit the GP half as often as younger women. Men are generally poor users of primary care. They are less likely to access other health services such as dentists...

» SMART Projects Stop Smoking Service

SMART Projects is launching a Stop Smoking Service, funded by the Kensington & Chelsea Social Council and in partnership with the Kick-it Stop Smoking Service. SMART will be providing Stop smoking advice on a one to one basis and workshops for people who would like to find out more...

» Maternity Project - Heathwatch CWL + Project management group Meeting on 28th Oct

Healthwatch Central West London have begun a research project on maternity and associated services in our three boroughs (Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham). We want to assess the quality of the experience of women who have delivered and used inpatients,outpatients...

» Al-Aman (DVIP) Arabic Speaking service

DVIP’s Al-aman service has continued to receive funding from London Councils to support women from Arabic speaking communities who have been affected by gender based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour based violence...

» Different Voices’ Directory of Services in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea

A directory of services was produced by the Different Voices Group at The Advocacy Project. It is a user involvement group that focuses on improving inpatient services and tackling the stigma attached to mental health. All the recommendations in the booklet are based on the service users’ own experiences of having used those services...

» Westminster Time Credits - off to a strong start!

Westminster Time Credits Newsletter (October 2015).Since our update announcing that organisations can now sign up to the Westminster Time Credits network we have been super busy here at Westminster Time Credits. Our main focus has been to get out and about to spread the news...

» Flu Vaccination information letter from Public Health (Three boroughs)

Flu season is here again. For most people flu is an unpleasant illness from which they recover in two to seven days. However for children under 6 months, those over 65 years, those with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women, the risk of serious complications is higher. These complications...

» Royal Trinity Hospice launches new dementia service in Kensington and Chelsea

Royal Trinity Hospice has launched a new service to support people with dementia and their carers living in Kensington and Chelsea, tackling recognised inequalities in access to palliative and end of life care.Funded by West London CCG, Trinity’s specialist Community Dementia Nurse will support people...

» Conversational English for beginners (for over 50s)

Brush up on your spoken, written and grammatical English to become a more confident speaker! For people aged 50 and over. TUESDAYs - 10.00am – 12.00pm. £3.00 per class @ New Horizons, Guinness Trust Estate, Cadogan Street, London, SW3 2PF...

» Healthier Homes Project

The Healthier Homes Project is a Public Health funded project to assist in reducing hospital admissions, GP visits and winter deaths caused by residents living in homes that are too cold, damp or are in dangerous conditions that put their health at risk.The project works as a referral service...

» MEWSO Monthly Newsletter-September 2015

The Middle Eastern Women & Society Organisation (MEWSO) is pleased to bring you our second monthly newsletter. MEWSO is a women's run organisation dedicated to providing mental and emotional support to Middle Eastern and North African women who have faced/witnessed domestic violence...

» ANGELOU Referrals

On the 1st July ADVANCE in conjunction with eight other organisations launched a shared service across Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster supporting women and girls who are experiencing or have experienced violence and abuse this partnership is called Angelou...

» MEND Healthy Lifestyle Programmes for Children and Parents

Mytime Active has been commissioned by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council to offer a range of free healthy lifestyle services across the three boroughs. Our Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do It! (MEND)...

» Westminster Time Credits

Spice, the social enterprise that has developed Time Credits -a way of recognising and celebrating the time people give to their community and to encourage more new people to get involved in volunteering – are setting up a local network in Westminster, with a specific focus on South Westminster…

» Medical Justice Press Release: HM Inspector of Prisons 2015 report on Yarl’s Wood - 12/08/15

HM Inspector Prisons 2015 insection of Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre -12th August 2015. “The severe decline in healthcare documented by HM Inspector of Prisons demonstrates that the Home Office and its private contractors have been incapable of learning lessons. The endemic harmful...

» Victoria Medical Centre in Westminster Rated 'Outstanding' by CQC

The Victoria Medical Centre – the oldest practice in Westminster - was rated ‘outstanding’ in the Care Quality Commission (CQC)’s latest round of reports. The Victoria Medical Centre offers General Practices (GP) services, and specialises in diagnostic and screening procedure, family planning services...

» IRANIAN ASSOCIATION - Advice and Education Centre Services and Classes

General Information and Advice; English Language Classes; English Language Exam; Information Technology Course; Counselling and Group Therapy; Exercise and Health Awareness Workshops; Tests For Citizenship and Settlement; Immigration and Citizenship Advice & Arts and Cultural Activities... ;

» June 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: SUPPORTING PEOPLE APPROACHING THE END OF THEIR LIVES. This meeting was about how to best support people who are approaching the end of their lives. Public health are conducting a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) about end of life care and would like to hear from you about how you feel services work currently and any gaps that there might be...

» EWEG's Mental Wellbeing Project (support in Amharic, French, Arabic languages)

EWEG (Ethiopian Women’s Empowerment Group) will provide a safe space for the clients to talk with a trained volunteers on one to one basis. The safe space will give the clients privacy to express their feelings in their own languages.If you are working with BME Groups this might be for you...

» March 2015 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH & WELLBEING

» Solace Women’s Aid Ascent Counselling Service (also in other languages)

Solace Women’s aid is an accomplished charitable organisation providing a range of support services to women and children. Our specialist domestic and sexual violence counselling service provides 16 free counselling sessions which includes an assessment, for women and girls from 14 year old...

» IAPT Courses and Workshops

IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) are running one off workshops and 6 weeks courses on a variety of subjects from confidence building, Improving sleep, procrastination, assertiveness and much more. People can refer themselves and organisations can also arrange for sessions to be delivered at their site...

» Health Trainer Service: Hammersmith & Fulham

Health Trainers provide support designed to improve wellbeing and combat the causes of chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Health Trainers are local individuals trained to identify and make contact with others to help improve lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, weight loss, increasing physical activity...

» Access to Health New Project: Information and Referral form

‘Access to Health’ is a new project which aims to support homeless and vulnerably housed pregnant women and families with a child/children under 5 years old in Westminster or temporarily housed outside the borough...

» Services

» Activities/Courses

» COFFEE MORNINGS with SW1 Community Organisers every Friday 10.30 - 12.00

Share your ideas, chat and catch up on local issues. Open to all SW1 residents. VENUE: The Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace. London SW1P 1EW. Time: Every Friday 10.30am - 12pm...

» Exercise for Health and Wellbeing in 2015 with SW1CO (Fridays am)

EXERCISE FOR HEALTH, WELLBEING to increase mobility, balance and sense of well-being. Open to all SW1 residents. VENUE: Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace, SW1 TIME: 9.30 – 10.30 AM. Every Friday - £2 donation...

» December 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: WHOLE SYSTEMS INTEGRATED CARE

» September 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: FGM

» New Young Women's Domestic Violence project for Arabic speakers

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan's Women's Centre have a new project for young women of Arabic backgrounds who have or are experiencing domestic violence. The service is aimed at young women aged between 16 and 25 years old who live in London...

» June 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: MENTAL WELLBEING

» Counselling Services for female survivors of domestic and sexual abuse (Westminster and K&C)

Please be aware of the free Therapeutic Services provided by Solace Women’s Aid in Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. These include:1to1 counselling for female survivors of domestic violence age 14 + (Ascent). 1to1 counselling for female survivors of sexual violence including child sexual abuse (aged 14+)...

» New Domestic Abuse service for Arabic speaking Women

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre has recently been successful in securing funding for a new project to support young, vulnerable women of Arabic speaking backgrounds who are or have experienced domestic abuse. Our service is aimed at young women aged between 16 and 25 years old...

» Kick-It FREE Stop Smoking Support service for local communities

The Free Stop Smoking Support sessions include specialist behavioural support by certified Stop Smoking Practitioners, which will improve the client’s motivation as well as help building up capacities and strategies to stay smoke-free...

» Westminster Connect - Peer support group

The peer support is for people aged 18 to 60 who have a physical disability, hearing or sight impairments and those with long term health conditions. Westminster Connect also co-ordinates peer support for Deaf people...

» April 2014 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: Unscheduled care - the utilisation of A and E and Urgent care services by BME communities

» Housing and resettlement, Welfare benefits and debt advice (Westminster)

The Bayswater Families Centre, in conjunction with CAB, Homestart and Z2K are holding Drop-in Advice sessions covering: Housing Advice and Assistance; Resettlement Advice and Assistance; Welfare benefits Advice and Assistance; Debt Advice and Assistance...

» Free counselling sessions in Spanish & English at the Migrants Resource Centre

WHY COUNSELLING? There are times in our lives when we experience distressing events and times; when we can find ourselves overwhelmed with feelings that seem to have no obvious explanation.When this happens, counselling can be very helpful...

» Zumba at Portobello Green Fitness Club

Fridays 2 - 3pm, Portobello Green Fitness Club. Price £2.10. It's fun, It's fitness, It's ZUMBA!...

» IKWRO - Self Confidence Support Group for Women

Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) is registered charity that provides confidential support, advice and advocacy and outreach to women and girls of Middle Eastern origin. We work to help women and girls who are facing gender based violence...

» November 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: URGENT CARE – ‘IS THE NHS MEETING THE NEEDS OF BME COMMUNITIES?’

» Employability Services in Westminster (as of 20/01/2014)

In light of all the changes in services in Westminster, I have recently completed a piece of work which is a document listing current employability services available at present for families...

» A Moveable Creche service from the Abbey Centre (South Westminster)

A Moveable Crèche provides an excellent value and flexible childcare service for clients. Sessions are delivered in a venue of your choice, for as many children as the size of the venue permits...

» Drinkwatchers Group EVERY Wednesday

The Horn of Africa Health and Wellbeing Project runs a WEEKLY Drinkwatchers support group on Wednesdays - sessions are free and cover the physical, social and psychological effects of alcohol and support available...

» September 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: 'HAVE YOUR SAY ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICES AND THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE'

» K&C Mind HARP Group (Hoarding, Acquiring Recovery Planning)

The HARP Support Group is a new, monthly, facilitated self-help programme, for people who are motivated to develop strategies and actions to manage and modify compulsive hoarding behaviour...

» British Red Cross Refugees and Befriending Project

The British Red Cross runs four 'Refugees and Befriending Projects' (R'n'B) for young unaccompanied refugees and asylum seekers aged 14-21. Our peer-led befriending projects are facilitated by peer-befrienders and adult volunteers...

» December 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: IMPROVING OUR MENTAL WELLBEING

» September 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

THEME: IMPROVING NHS COMMUNITY SERVICES – KEEPING PEOPLE OUT OF HOSPITAL

» June 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

» Community Champions Coffee Mornings - Diabetes (starting Wednesday 4th September)

Are you worried about diabetes? Or want to know more about it. Come to our health themed coffee morning. Where alongside your tea or coffee you can engage in health issues which affect you or others around you...

» Active for Life - Opportunities to Keep Fit In the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Leisure Services’ Sports Development Team provides a wide variety of sport and physical activity opportunities for RBKC residents at venues across the borough including targeted sessions for specific groups...

» July 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

» Free Days Out for Carers in Kensington and Chelsea

We also offer free training courses, complimentary therapies, other free events, talks and social meet-ups - booking essential...

» Storytelling Women’s Group at the Refugee Therapy Centre.(every Wednesday)

Come along and join our friendly Storytelling Women’s Group at the Refugee Therapy Centre.We welcome women with all levels of English. It’s a great way to get to know new people and practise your language skills.We meet every Wednesday from 11:00am—14:00pm...

» March 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» June 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» September 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» December 2011 Quarterly Meeting notes

» March 2012 Quarterly Meeting notes

Date & Time: 7th March 12, 10am – 1pm, Venue: The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU, Theme: Men’s Health & Wellbeing

» March 2013 Quarterly Meeting notes

Theme: Women’s Health & Wellbeing Date: 6th March 2013 Venue: Lighthouse West Lodon

» Domestic abuse and Sexual violence Information about Helpline services in your area

Please see below some information about domestic and sexual violence helplines that are funded by London Councils and available in your area...

» Psychological Therapies in languages other than English

Please note that all NHS psychological therapy services are obliged to provide an interpreter for people who are not fluent English speakers. This includes counselling services offered by GP practices as well as IAPT or other mental health services offered by CNWL or CLCH...

» Personalisation Project at the Chinese Mental Health Association

The Befriending Service at the Chinese Mental Health Association is running a pilot Personalisation project for ethnic Chinese sufferers of mental health. Personalisation is about giving people with needs, choice and control over their care, with support and resources provided by their local authority...

» Arabic Women’s Project at Al-Hasaniya, North Kensington

Based in North Kensington we offer advice and support in health and welfare of Arabic speaking women. We have a Domestic Violence project and also a children and families mental health project as well as many other...

» Get Active! - Affordable activities for all abilities and ages at the Beethoven Centre

See details below for affordable activities for all abilities and ages available at the Beethoven Centre...

» Dual Diagnosis User Involvement Project [Westminster]

Who? The project is for adults with dual diagnosis mental health and learning disabilities living in Westminster. These are the only criteria for taking part; we aim for the project to be inclusive. It is run by The Advocacy...

» Helpline for Maternity Services

The maternity helpline provides direct access to clinical support and advice to women and their families, irrespective of whether you are a patient of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a visitor to the area or simply require information and support.

» Westminster Wellbeing - Free NHS service promoting Health and Wellbeing

Westminster Wellbeing is a free NHS service promoting health and wellbeing within communities and organisations in Westminster. We provide a range of services which include training and workshops for community organisations...

» Maternity Action Advice Line

Maternity Action’s Advice Line offers free confidential telephone support. We will listen to you and try to understand all the issues you are facing. We will then provide you with information that is relevant to you and your situation...

» HELP Counselling - low cost short & long term counselling service

Based in Portobello Road, Notting Hill Gate, London, HELP Counselling Centre provides short & long-term counselling based on an affordable, sliding scale for people who need support in negotiating a crisis as well as for those who wish to consider their life patterns and choices...

» Rape Crisis London

Rape Crisis London has four centres that offer help, information and support to women and girls who have experienced sexual violence of any kind, at any time of their lives...

» Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) - Westminster service

STRESSED, ANXIOUS, DEPRESSED? If you are finding it difficult to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression, we can offer quick and easy access to help and support...

» Fit-for-Life - Free 8 week weight loss programme

This FREE eight week group behaviour change programme is designed to help the patients to lose weight, get fitter and make more informed choices about your diet and lifestyle...

» Deaf Hope Services

Deaf Hope is a new specialist domestic abuse service for Deaf women and children, and the first service of its kind in the UK. We have been established around 18 months and our current funding is...

» Healthier Life for You blog

Healthier LIfe 4 You is a community organisation not for profit with charitable aims. We aim to promote Health and Wellbeing to local people in the community (Families, Children & Young people). As well as running Health workshops, we use Dance, Art & Craft and Leisure activities to enable service users to achieve emotional and Physical wellbeing...

» Public Health Training Service - RBKC

The Royal Borough can help your business. We offer award-winning training on Food Safety and Health and Safety. We also offer Environmental Principles training, Personal Licence Holders training and Customer Service Training...

» Breathe Easy Support Group

DO YOU LIVE IN PIMLICO AND SUFFER FROM A BREATHING PROBLEM? BREATHE EASY PADDINGTON is your Westminster patient support group, for anyone affected by a lung condition. We offer mutual support, information...

» FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Service

West London African Women's service - Community support and information...

» Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service at ADVANCE

ADVANCE is a specialist domestic violence crisis intervention service. We support women who are assessed as being high or very high risk of continued domestic and sexual abuse and those at risk of being killed...

» NHS videos aimed at newly arrived migrants in various languages

Here are a series of short films on how to use the NHS aimed at newly arrived migrants produced by the Black Health Agency. The film is available in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi/Dari, French, Kurdish, Mandarin, Polish, Somali, Sylheti and Urdu...

» Counselling Directory - search for a counsellor or psychotherapist near you

Counselling Directory was set up as a free, confidential service to encourage those in distress to seek help. Visitors can read about different areas of distress, view useful articles written by counsellors and refine their...

» GO4mental health

A website/ directory for mental health service users in Westminster...

» North London Rape Crisis Service

North London Rape Crisis offers free, confidential counselling, advocacy and holistic therapies to women aged 14 and over who live, work or study in Islington, Camden, Westminster, Barnet, Enfield, Kensington and Chelsea and Haringey...

» Women's Wellbeing, Patient Empowerment and Mental Health & Wellbeing projects at Mosaic Community Trust

The Mosaic Community Trust’s Women’s Well-Being Project seeks to empower women who are socially disadvantaged. The Patient Empowerment and Engagement project aims to raise awareness in the local community on the availability and effective use primary care health services...

» Substance misuse services - NEW three borough service

Turning Point and Blenheim have been commissioned to provide the new substance misuse service in Westminser, RBKC, and Hammersmith & Fulham. This service is named the Recovery & Wellbeing network and will transform the way that drug and alcohol services are provided locally...

» Help for your Family with Home-Start (Westminster)

We support ANY family in Westminster who needs us, providing there is at least 1 child under 5. Rich or poor, settled or transient.Our trained volunteers help to give encouragement and support to change the pattern of troubled lives...

» Foot and Toenail Care Service in Westminster

Having Problems Managing your Nail Care??? Apply for Westminster’s new Basic Foot Care Service now!...

» LIVING WELL - Wellbeing services

Living Well offers a wide range of high-quality health related services aimed at providing people with the skills they need to get the most out of life. Services include HIV service, Youth service and Community support service...

» Dementia Adviser Service in Westminster

The Westminster Dementia Adviser service provides advice, information and guidance to those who have received a diagnosis of dementia, as well as their families and supporters. As well as working in partnership with NHS...

» Healthworks

HEALTHWORKS√ offers a range of services to help the residents of Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster and surrounding boroughs

» South Westminster Centre for Health

Provides community and specialist dental services, district nursing, nutrition and dietetics, diabetes and podiatry (foot health) services, Speech and language therapy for children...

» Health Trainers

Health Trainers provide free one-to-one support, motivation and advice to borough residents (from Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea or Hammersmith & Fulham) over 18 who want to improve their health and wellbeing...

» Fit for Work Service in Kensington & Chelsea now expanding to Westminster and Hammermith & Fulham

Fit for Work Service in Kensington & Chelsea now expanding to Westminster and Hammermith & Fulham

» Jobs in Mind

Jobs in Mind, a mental health charity whose varied services provide specialist support and advice around problems at work, training and education. Our mission is to understand, support and enable the recovery of those affected by mental health problems...