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

» Update on translated COVID-19 Guidance from Doctors of the World

Doctors of the World have updated the translated coronavirus guidance to reflect the changes made regarding the lock down rules for the whole population in the UK. This new version (version 3 -24.03.2020) is ready in English and 28 other languages at the moment, and remaining languages will be updated very soon.

» Update on Covid 19 funerals and care of deceased guidance

New government guidance was released on 31st March on funerals and care of the deceased for anyone who, sadly, dies with confirmed or suspected coronavirus. The most pertinent paragraphs are relating to the question of ritual washing of bodies.

» COVID-19 Advice and Guidance: Non UK Nationals

The London Assembly website has a number of useful pages with information and advice around the current Coronavirus outbreak including a useful page for non UK Nationals living in London which includes info and advice in people's own languages and how to get support.

» Westminster Dementia Adviser’s Update– April 2020 (coronavirus support)

Instead of their regular newsletter Westminster Dementia Advisors have put together a list of support services in Westminster related to the coronavirus outbreak. Also,Terezie Wickenden, Westminster Dementia Adviser is currently avaiable to support people over the phone.

» Virtual Parenting programs- open to referrals

Total Family Coaching is starting 2 Virtual parenting programs to be delivered on Zoom (support in using Zoom offered prior to course). Mondays 11.30am: The Nurturing Program- 8 online group sessions, and Wednesdays 11.30am: Combined Triple P - 6 online group sessions (for parents of children aged 2-16).

» Coronavirus and your wellbeing

Mind has released guidance on COVID-19 and caring for your mental health during self-isolation. You might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people. This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing.

» Food Delivery for People in Need - URGENT

WAND UK Is offering some emergency help to the most vulnerable people in our local communities . We developed a small food delivery project focusing on three boroughs Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster only.

» Beware of COVID-19 scams

Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends. National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19.

» Covid-19 information & guidance from NHS West London CCG

Information and guidance around Coronavirus will be constantly changing over the coming weeks. The CCG has developed the attached poster to share the latest information as of 25th March 2020 and includes: Where to go for up to date Coronavirus information; Key public health messages – as of 25th March;...

» New Westminster Helpline

A new dedicated phone number is now live for Westminster Connects and is available from 8am to 10pm seven days a week. If you need help or you know of anyone who needs help as a result of COVID-19, please send us the details or phone us on 020 7641 1222.

» Healthwatch COVID-19 Support & Guidance Page

Healthwatch Central West London have created a useful support and guidance page for the community. Healthwatch CWL is following the latest information from Public Health England. You can also read the government response and the NHS response to the outbreak, along with the latest developments from the World Health Organisation.

» NHS Volunteer Responders

Can you help the NHS to keep those most vulnerable to coronavirus safe and well? NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak. To do this we need an 'army' of volunteers who can support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well.

» New emergency support fund announced to help community and voluntary organisations

Members of London Funders, the Greater London Authority and the City Bridge Trust have contributed £1million each to launch a new fund to support London’s voluntary sector. Members of London Funders, the Greater London Authority and the City Bridge Trust have contributed £1million each to launch a new fund to support London’s voluntary sector.

» Working with volunteers and the community to address Coronavirus

Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea is registering local people who want to support new and existing local services responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

» Funding for urgent small-charity coronavirus poverty relief

Martin Lewis the 'Money Saving Expert' is making £1m available to fund urgent small-charity coronavirus poverty relief. Examples could include foodbanks, charities engaged in community aid, financial advice help and more. He is looking for projects that are up and running, or are in the process of being set up.

» Coronavirus (COVID-19) Latest NHS Guidelines translated in 32 languages

Doctors of the World have produces Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for patients in 32 languages, which were produced in partnership with the British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice.:

» COVID-19: GOV.UK guidance in community languages on social distancing and protecting vulnerable people

Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK, including children, and protecting older people and vulnerable people is available in the following languages:Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Gujarati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Urdu, Welsh.

» Emotional Wellbeing Project to continue via telephone support

In respect of government guidelines relating to the COVID-9 outbreak we are announcing that the BME Health Forum's Emotional Well-being project is continuing via telephone support and with the support of our partners, we hope to be able to continue support clients who don’t speak English in a number of community languages during this difficult time.

» Whispering for Help project seeks BAME participants

The artist, Marie Smith is currently looking for women of colour aged 18 years and over, based in the UK to participate in her forthcoming project, Whispering for help. The project involves documenting women of colour lived experience of mental health.

» COVID-19 Advice and Guidance for Muslim community on MCB website

The Muslim Council of Britain is keeping up to date guidance and information for the Muslim community in Britain on the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

» COVID-19 Community Involvement Initiative - Imperial College London

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: COVID-19 OUTBREAK - We are inviting anyone with 20 minutes free to help guide our COVID-19 research and community engagement plans at Imperial College London. Via an anonymous online form, we hope to gain early insight into the publics' opinions, experiences, priorities and unmet needs in the UK during this outbreak.

» Men's Health Forum: - Prostate Cancer awareness story

PAUL: 'SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO BE PUSHY'. Paul reckons his prostate cancer diagnosis began with an NHS health check his GP didn't want to give him.

» Chinese Health & Wellbeing Clinic and COVID 19 information for the Chinese Community

In the following video Eddie Chan, former Chair of the BME Health Forum introduces the Chinese Health & Wellbeing Clinic services in Central London followed by lead doctor Dr Kit Wu who gives important public health information about the COVID 19 virus to the Chinese Community.

» HCGA Adult Education Programmes in RBKC

Hammersmith Community Gardens Association (HCGA) is running adult education programmes in RBKC next term, namely: Gardening for Beginners and Cultural and Green Walks Exploring the Borough and Beyond.

» Free Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

The Healthy London Partnership would like to share the following resources available to support the mental health and wellbeing of local communities: Good Thinking: a FREE, NHS-approved website which has been used by over 400,000 people to help relieve anxiety, stress and depression; Suicide prevention training: FREE 20 minute suicide prevention online training completed by over 40,000 Londoners to date

» Tea, cake and IT!

Fulham Good Neighbours is running the second year of its Digital Inclusion project. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly visit and one-to-one lessons on how to use the Internet, please contact us. We are also looking for more volunteers who could spare a couple of hours a month to support an older person.

» JOB and VOLUNTEER opportunities at EACH Counselling

EACH Counselling currently has the following job and volunteer opportunities: Young Person’s key worker (substance misuse and young people, 14-21 years), Brent, Floating Support Case Worker, Brent, Floating Support Team Leader, Brent and Volunteer Counsellors.

» NIHR ARC programme - Join us to learn how we work together to improve healthcare

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration for Northwest London (henceforth ARC Northwest London) is looking for members of the public to partner with us to improve health and care across North West London. We are looking for patients, carers, public from communities across North West London.

» OPEN AGE Health & Wellbeing Workshops

Open Age are hosting Health and Wellbeing workshops during March which will be run by NHS back on track. The workshops aim to focus on understanding the impact of daily stresses and learning how to manage them.

» Freedom Programme Women's Support Group

The Freedom is a 12-week educational programme based on Pat Craven's book "Living with the Dominator", that asists women to identify and understand the tactics, behaviours and beliefs of abusive partners. Mondays from 1 - 2.30pm based in Kensington open to all women 16+

» MEWSo Advice Services for Women

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence MEWSo can help. Contact for an appointment with a solicitor. MEWSo can also help on a variety of different issues.We host workshops and one to one sessions once a week with our expert advisors. Sessions may be conducted in Arabic, French, Kurdish, Farsi, Arabic, Turkish and English.

» Dancing to your Tune with WAND UK

WAND UK is inviting you to its second programme of its variety of dance classes. Join to get in shape while boosting your confidence. Places available on a "first come first served basis". From 23rd January to 27th February, every Thursday 1-2pm.

» Kooth - FREE online support for young people

Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.

» Walking Basketball for Over 50's at Moberly Sports Centre

Wednesdays 12 - 1pm starting 8th January. A low impact version of the sport with all the tactics and fun. Meet new people whilst keeping active. Over 50s men and women welcome.

» FREE Multi Sports Across Westminster with London Sport Trust

Structured and fun Multi-sports for children across Westminster led by an experienced and qualified coach. Venues include Bessborough Family Hub SW1V, Beethoven Centre W10, Fourth Feathers NW1, Grosvenor Hall Vincent street SW1P and Hallfield Estate W2.

» Jam Sessions - New music group at Lancaster West Community Centre

A new music group is looking for people to join our Jam sessions. The sessions are a great place to grow your talent and meet new people that love music. No experience or knowledge needed, just a musical interest. Our first meet up will be on Thursday 12th December at 6.30pm - Lancaster West Community Centre

» FREE Walking For Health Training

Everyone Active will be hosting a Walking For Health - Walk Leader training session on the 22nd November, 9:30 – 3:30pm in the Bowls Pavilion at Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PD.

» Job Vacancy: Communications & Digital Fundraising Officer at FORWARD

FORWARD is seeking an experienced Communications & Digital Fundraising Officer to work directly with the Head of Evidence and Knowledge Management and to lead on all FORWARD’s communications and digital fundraising strategies and activities. You will be expected to grow our digital and social media presence and to increase our online fundraising capacity and donations.

» Making Every Contact Count (MECC) FREE training session (Thur 5th Dec)

This training is an approach to healthcare that ensures you will have the skills, knowledge and confidence to 'Make Every Contact Count' when opportunities arise with patients/ clients. You will be well equipped to have a brief conversations about their health and well being and on how they might make positive improvements.

» Grand Junction Opening Festival on 12th October

Grand Junction is now open! Come and celebrate on the 12th October, 2 - 5pm with FREE activities for everyone including live music, arts and crafts, face painting, guided tours, dress up as a Victorian, story-telling, Lego building, tea and cake!

» Mind Information and Advice Service (Hammersmith & Fulham)

We offer hands on support to people living with a mental health problem and dealing with issues such as claiming welfare benefits, housing, and debt management. To be eligible for support you must be at least 18 years old and living with a mental health problem.

» Sexual Violence Helpline and Advice Service

Women and Girls Network (WGN) Freephone Sexual Violence Helpline and Advice Service - WGN is is a free, women-only service that supports women and girls in London who have experienced violence, or are at risk of violence. Our Sexual Violence Helpline and Advice Service provides free and confidential emotional support and practical support for anyone in London, who self identifies as a woman (aged 14+).

» Become a Diabetes Champion (Voluntary)

PDT is looking for outstanding volunteers who are passionate about supporting people at risk of Type 2 Diabetes to join their team of Diabetes Champions. This is a very interesting role that will give volunteers a chance to make a real difference to lives of people in their community.

» FREE Legal Advice at Kings Legal Clinic

Our law students provide free legal advice to staff, students and our local communities. King's law students use their legal knowledge and skills to give back to the community.

» Diabetes User Group informs new Diabetes 10 point Training for patients

The Diabetes User Group that was supported by the BME Health Forum received a presentation about short ten point training that is offered to clinicians and other frontline workers to teach them the basics of caring for people with Diabetes. Patients asked that similar training was produced for patients who were first diagnosed and also people with diabetes who were admitted as inpatients to hospital.

» March 2019 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Hammersmith & Fulham CCG's Financial Recovery Plans - request for feedback; Westminster and RBKC Councils' Dementia Strategy - request for local community input; Iraqi Association presentation; World Foods Carbs and Cals book (specifically targeted at BAME communities) Update from Diabetes Transformation team.

» December 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

Topics: Request for feedback on NHS 111 service; Information about Latent TB and raising awareness; request for feedback on Primary and Urgent Care services in H&F; Volunteer Centre K&C - working with BME organisations

» Join the Advocacy Project's User Focused Monitoring team

Help improve mental health services in K&C and Westminster. Join a team of experts by experience that evaluate local mental health services and recommend positive changes, based on the views and experiences of local service users.

» Henna Asian Women's Group Befriending Service

Open to Asian women living in Westminster of all ages (18 - 75+) . The service is provided in many South Asian languages. If you are experiencing loneliness and find it hard to get out, Henna's Volunteer Befriending Scheme may be for you.

» NVR (non-violent resistance) OPEN TO REFERRALS at Total Family Coaching

Up to 6 months intervention, combined whole family, 1-2-1 and group Support. A skills-based approach which supports families where there is a pattern of child to parent violence. The skills-based insight, knowledge and support provided through the NVR programme, empowers parents to reflect and act...

» Westminster PDT ESFA contract

The PDT has been awarded an ESFA contract to manage the awarding of a high number (170 approx) of small grants to community groups in West and Central London. The grants can be between £5,000 and £20,000 each and they can be used for all sorts of employment work including the very early parts of a person's journey (motivation/engagement etc) right through to job entry and sustainment.

» 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

» Recruitment of BME Adopters

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

» 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

» 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

» 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.

» 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.

» 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.

» 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

» March 2018 Quarterly Meeting Notes

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

» 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.

» 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.

» 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

» 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.

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» 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...

» Befriending for Asian Women at Henna

Henna’s befriender-workers will pay regular weekly or monthly visits to some of the most vulnerable ladies in the community. These visits could be to those who were members of Henna in the past and have been restricted...

» 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...

» Health Centre for walk-in (unregistered) patients

The Halfpenny Steps Health Centre provides health services for registered and walk-in patients. It is staffed with a team of GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver a high quality, continuous service...

» Employers: Fit for Work Service Leaflet

If you have employees off work sick or struggling with health problems you can refer them to Fit for Work Service at no cost to your business...

» Housing Factsheet Library

Some housing factsheets on key housing issues. The fact sheets provide a very basic summary of the issue, the possible actions you can take, and who to contact for further information...

» Women's Therapy Centre

The Women's Therapy Centre has been offering individual and group psychotherapy to women since 1976. Its access policy ensures that psychotherapy is available to all women, regardless of sexual orientation, disability, cultural or social...

» 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...