Well London: communities working together for a healthier city

Introduction

London is culturally and economically one of the world’s leading cities. Despite this there are great inequalities in health outcomes between the wealthiest and poorest boroughs. Compared to London as a whole those living in the city’s most deprived areas:

• Have Lower life expectancy - The difference in life expectancy between those living in the most and least deprived neighbourhoods of London is 7.2 years for males and 4.6 years for females;

• Can expect to live fewer years without a disability;

• Have lower mental well-being

• Have children less likely to reach a sufficient level of development when they start school.

About 40% of the capital’s children live in low-income households. In Inner London, the child poverty rate is even higher, at about 50%. (Additional resources can be found in the Further Information section).

This deprivation and poverty contributes to poor health and mental wellbeing especially in the young, ethnic minority communities and the elderly.

The Well London project was a four year programme targeting 20 of the most deprived communities in London to promote healthy physical activity, healthy eating and mental health and wellbeing by delivering integrated interventions using a community development model. Well London has resulted in high levels of community participation, and bolstered community cohesion and empowerment to enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives. 

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