About Well London

Well London is an exciting programme that builds stronger local communities by getting people working together to improve their neighbourhoods and their health and well-being.

In phase 1 of Well London a wide variety of activities took place themed around mental well-being, physical activity, healthy eating, open spaces, and arts and culture. In addition there were a range of initiatives to build confidence and practical skills through volunteering and being involved in project delivery. Well London makes a big difference to the way people feel about themselves, their community and their local neighbourhood as well as giving people the chance to come together and have fun.

The Well London programme invests in local community-led projects. In Phase 1 of the programme we focussed on the following themes:

• Promoting mental health and well-being
• Improving healthy eating choices
• Promoting access to open spaces and increasing physical activity

We encouraged new ways of working on these issues through arts and culture, and developed a unique monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure we captured what works.

The first stage of Well London is to talk to local people and find out more about life in their neighbourhood – what’s good about the place, what would they like to see improved. This way we find out from residents what they feel would help them to improve their own well-being and how we can work with them to tailor the theme projects for their area.

Based on this process, twenty local programmes were developed in Phase 1 that reflected each community's particular health and well-being needs. We then recruited, trained and supported Well London Delivery Teams comprising volunteers to promote Well London and encourage other residents to get involved.

Local people get involved in designing and running the projects.

The London Health Commission brought together the following organisations to form the Well London Alliance. They all had strategic influence and experience of working with local communities. Each led on a key theme of the programme in Phase 1 and was the lead partner in three or four target areas.

• London Health Commission
• University of East London
• London Sustainability Exchange
• Central YMCA
• Groundwork London
• Arts Council England, London
• South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

More information on the Well London Alliance partners.